The Lakers are rolling into the 2024-25 season with high hopes, but it’s clear they need a bit more to truly compete. After getting knocked out in the first round of the playoffs last season, fans have been calling for changes. Unfortunately, their hands were tied this offseason due to salary cap issues. LeBron James signed a new two-year deal, and Max Christie got an extension, but they couldn’t make any big splashes in free agency. They also stuck with familiar faces like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and D’Angelo Russell, but there’s still a glaring need for an elite point guard.
That’s where Trae Young comes into the picture. Adding a player like him could give the Lakers the offensive firepower and playmaking they’ve been missing. With LeBron and Anthony Davis still leading the way, bringing in Young might be the game-changer they need to make a serious run at another title.
Mock Trade
Lakers Receive: Trae Young
Hawks Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2031 First-Round Pick
While the Lakers have been connected to Trae Young in trade rumors, the interest hasn't always been as strong as one might expect . They were initially rumored to be exploring options around Young and Murray last season, but Atlanta wasn’t too eager to move any at the time, and the Lakers lacked the assets to make a compelling offer. But if the Hawks were to pull the trigger on a deal for Young, the Lakers could still jump at the chance to bring him in.
This proposed deal offers a very appealing package for the Lakers. With D’Angelo Russell , Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and a 2031 first-round pick on the table, it’s a relatively low-cost opportunity to secure a franchise point guard. The Lakers would be wise to consider this deal, especially given the long-term benefit of pairing Young with Anthony Davis, setting the team up for a smooth transition post-LeBron.
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The Lakers Would Become Instant Contenders
Trae Young’s 2023-24 season was another standout performance with 25.7 points and 10.8 assists, but it also sparked intense speculation about his future with the Hawks . The team had a rocky campaign, barely sneaking into the Play-In Tournament, only to exit in disappointing fashion. This led to numerous trade rumors, with Young’s name constantly in the mix as many believed the Hawks were considering a rebuild. Amid these expectations, Young remained in Atlanta throughout the offseason, as the Hawks hesitated to pull the trigger on any big moves, and decided to ship out Dejounte Murray instead. The possibility of a trade was "very real," but nothing materialized.
Meanwhile, the Lakers found themselves in an awkward position. After getting bounced in the first round of the playoffs, it was clear they needed some upgrades to seriously compete for a title. Their 2024 offseason, shockingly, was relatively quiet . They re-signed LeBron James to a new deal , kept Max Christie, and added two rookies—Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. Salary cap restrictions kept them from making bigger free agency splashes, and trade rumors surrounding DeMar DeRozan and Klay Thompson never came to fruition.
With Young’s playmaking and scoring ability, he could solve several problems for the Lakers. He would bring elite ball-handling and court vision, an immense upgrade over the streaky D’Angelo Russell. He could allow LeBron to play more off the ball as he continues to age, being almost 40. Young’s ability to create shots from anywhere on the court would ease the offensive burden on both LeBron and Anthony Davis. His defense has always been a concern, but pairing him with Davis, one of the best defenders in the league, could cover some of those shortcomings, while Austin Reaves should get the tougher matchup on the perimeter.
Adding Trae Young to the Lakers would make them instant contenders, offering the team the much-needed floor general they’ve lacked. In a Western Conference loaded with talent, Young could be the piece that finally pushes the Lakers back into championship contention.
The Hawks Could Kickstart A Full-Scale Rebuild
The Atlanta Hawks are at a critical point in their franchise’s direction. After an underwhelming 2023-24 season that saw them bow out in the Play-In Tournament, the team is caught between maintaining a competitive roster or leaning fully into a rebuild. They’ve already made some moves toward the latter, trading Dejounte Murray to the Pelicans for a package that included promising young guard Dyson Daniels, role players, and draft picks. Still, they’ve yet to commit fully, with key vets like Trae Young and Clint Capela on the roster.
A potential trade with the Lakers for Trae Young could push the Hawks further into the rebuild phase. In return, they would receive D’Angelo Russell, an expiring contract that would clear $18.7 million off their books after the 2024-25 season. Russell, while not a long-term piece, could provide short-term stability at the point guard position and help bridge the gap while the Hawks figure out their next steps. His performance last season was solid, averaging 18.0 points and 6.3 assists, but more importantly, his expiring deal would give Atlanta flexibility to plan for the future.
In addition to Russell, the Hawks would acquire Jalen Hood-Schifino, a young guard with potential to develop into a lead playmaker if Dyson Daniels doesn't fill that role. Daniels, who came over from New Orleans, has shown promise as a versatile defender, but his growth as a true floor general remains uncertain. Having two young guards in Hood-Schifino and Daniels gives the Hawks multiple options for their future backcourt, reducing reliance on immediate success from either player.
With young talents like Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu already on the roster and first overall pick Zacharie Risacher added this offseason , Atlanta is primed for a long-term rebuild if they decide to trade Young. The combination of these young players, future draft assets, and the salary relief from Russell’s expiring contract could give them the flexibility they need to build a more sustainable contender in the coming years.
While the Hawks might not get the blockbuster return you'd expect for an All-Star like Trae Young, the reality is his trade market hasn’t been as hot as some might think. This offseason made it clear that Young isn’t exactly the most sought-after guard in the league, with little buzz or serious offers coming in for him. Given the circumstances, a deal like this could actually be a solid move for Atlanta, especially considering the flexibility and young pieces they'd gain in return.
Related: 2024-25 Atlanta Hawks Projected Starting Lineup
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