Lakers News: Timing Works Perfectly on Potential Trade For All-Star This Summer
The Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for their push in the second half of the season, hoping to make a run similar to last year once again. The team has struggled with consistency most of the year, but they have started to play much better of late.
The decision from the front office to stand pat at the trade deadline was both due to the lack of game-changing trades available and the thought of a bigger move over the offseason. Los Angeles will be armed with three first-round picks to use at their disposal, and the team is readying themselves to potentially make a blockbuster move.
Names like Donovan Mitchell and Trae Young have been explored already, with Young being the more likely of the two. According to The Athletic's John Hollinger, a trade for Young would work perfectly this summer due to the Lakers' additional draft capital coming into focus.
"Additionally, the timing lines up on draft capital. After the season, the Lakers would have three first-round picks available to send to Atlanta in a deal, including unprotected firsts in 2029 and 2031 (the other pick would likely be at this year’s draft, assuming New Orleans defers its right to an unprotected Lakers pick to 2025). That would make it possible for the Hawks to offset the picks lost in the Murray trade."
The Atlanta Hawks have been trying to break themselves out of mediocrity for years with no luck. This could lead them to move away from Young, and they'd want to recoup some draft picks in the process.
Los Angeles could move all three first-rounders plus some salaries to Atlanta to pair Young alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. It would be a win-win for both sides, and the timing is essential for the teams.
This is certainly something to watch going forward, as the Lakers will be looking to make a splash. Los Angeles will have the tools to work with this summer, and a blockbuster deal could be taking place.
