Lakers Planning to Pursue Third Star This Summer, With One Name in Particular

Matt Levine | Mar 31, 2024

The Los Angeles Lakers have been searching for the perfect third star compliment next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis since the duo was formed in 2020. They attempted to create this with point guard Russell Westbrook, but the experiment failed incredibly.

The front office is still determined to make this three-star monster happen for Los Angeles and it seems that they have their eyes on one name in particular. According to The Athletic's Jovan Buha, Los Angeles is looking at pursuing Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young this coming summer.

"They are going third star hunting this off-season and we’ll see how that affects the DLO situation. You probably have to give up Austin in almost any third-star trade. Now who’s available? The one name I continually hear is Trae Young. He’s been to Laker playoff games before, he’s a Clutch Sports client. That’s probably the most realistic one right now... Now, of course, whether they get him is going to come down to whether they are willing to put all three picks, two picks in a deal. Is it Austin and Max? Is it just Austin? And you got to have the matching salary of course. Is that Rui, is that Vando? Do they send DLO there as well? There’s a lot of different ways that can play out, but my understanding is yes, they are going third-star hunting."

Adding a player like Young to the mix would give the Lakers a massive boost to hoist up another trophy. Young is a superstar in his own right and could help the team transition into the non-James era once he retires.

The combination of Young and Davis could be lethal for opposing defenses to have to deal with, something that the front office likely has in mind. This isn't the first time that Young has been linked with the Lakers, but this may be the most serious pursuit from the team.

Young would thrive in Los Angeles, but it's all a matter of what the Hawks want to do with him. The team is under no obligation to move him, even if it would likely be for their future.