All of the focus for the Los Angeles Lakers currently is trying to find a way to move up in the Western Conference standings and avoid the NBA Play-In Tournament. Despite their recent hot streak, they still find themselves in ninth place, but they remain within striking distance to make a move up.
While that is where the coaching staff and players are focused, some people have already turned their attention to the 2024 NBA offseason. Despite the regular season not being over, NBA rumors are already swirling about what the Lakers could have planned for the summer.
According to an NBA executive who spoke to NBA Analysis Network, the Lakers have something big planned. They are going to go all-in on attempting to acquire an All-Star player, with Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks being their No. 1 target.
“LeBron James wants the front office to get aggressive this offseason. The current roster needs to be altered to be a championship contender. From everything I’ve been told, Rob Pelinka is going to do everything he can to bring Trae Young to Los Angeles,” the executive said.
Young is someone that could certainly be made available this offseason. The Hawks are expected to shop at least one of their star guards, whether it be him or Dejounte Murray. Of the two, Young is likely the player who could bring back the most assets to help reset the team’s roster and assets.
While not on the same tier as Kyrie Irving, Young would bring some similarities to the court in terms of the impact he can have offensively. Capable of carrying the offensive load on his own, Young would help cover the minutes LeBron James or Anthony Davis aren’t on the court for.
On paper, Young should be a great fit alongside James as well. But, he is not as good of a spot-up shooter as his profile would suggest. Also, Young needs the ball in his hands to thrive and play his best; will that occur enough with the Lakers as long as James and Davis are in the fold?
If Los Angeles is thinking long-term and preparing for life after James, Young is a great target to pair with Davis. Davis has the skills to cover up for Young’s deficiencies on defense while providing him with an elite pick-and-roll partner offensively.
To this point in his career, Young has been the go-to player and face of the franchise for the Hawks. It has not led to as much success as they would have hoped, as Young looks better suited to be the second or third option on a team that as aspirations to contend for an NBA championship.
