The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t had the best summer in terms of free agency because they have missed out on top targets including Donovan Mitchell (who re-signed in Cleveland), Dejounte Murray, and DeMar DeRozan. However, there is some light at the end of the tunnel for LeBron James and Anthony Davis because the Lakers are below the second apron in the NBA salary cap team structure which means they could be major contenders to acquire superstar point guard Trae Young in a blockbuster trade proposition.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jalen Hood-Schifino, 2029 First-Round Pick
Trading for Trae Young would completely shake up the Western Conference in the 2024-25 season but also give them opportunities to improve the roster even more. Being below the second apron by $45,000 allows the Lakers to engage in trades and roster adjustments without immediately incurring severe penalties along with being able to sign players using a taxpayer mid-level exception worth $5,183,000. Here is the breakdown of the Los Angeles Lakers’ proposed trade for Trae Young.
A New Big Three In Los Angeles
The addition of Trae Young to the Los Angeles Lakers would create a formidable trio alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Trae Young, one of the league's premier point guards, has consistently averaged over 25 points and 9 assists per game over the past three seasons. His ability to both score and facilitate would provide a dynamic boost to the Lakers' offense, which has at times struggled with consistency in the backcourt. Young's elite shooting and playmaking skills would complement LeBron's versatility and Davis's dominance in the paint.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis would likely welcome this move with open arms. James, heading toward 40 years old with two seasons left in his career, would benefit greatly from having another elite playmaker to share the load. Anthony Davis, when healthy, is one of the most dominant big men in the league, and having a point guard of Young's caliber would only enhance his offensive opportunities.
From a financial perspective, the Lakers' front office would be ecstatic to land a superstar like Trae Young while staying below the second apron. This strategic move allows them to avoid the severe penalties associated with exceeding the salary cap, such as losing access to the mid-level exception and other roster-building tools. With Young on board, the Lakers could use the taxpayer mid-level exception worth $5.183 million to further strengthen their roster, potentially adding key role players to support their new Big Three.
Atlanta Hawks Rebuild Around Zaccharie Risacher
For the Atlanta Hawks, this trade signals a clear shift towards rebuilding around their young talents, particularly Zaccharie Risacher. Risacher, the highly touted No. 1 overall pick from France, has shown immense potential in his early career, drawing comparisons to versatile forwards like Kevin Durant. By moving on from Trae Young, the Hawks can fully commit to developing Risacher as their cornerstone player, allowing him more opportunities to grow and lead the team. This shift aligns with the Hawks' long-term vision of building a competitive team around young, high-potential players.
In addition to Risacher, the Hawks would receive a package of valuable assets from the Lakers. D'Angelo Russell brings veteran leadership and experience, having been an All-Star and a key contributor on several playoff teams. Rui Hachimura, still developing his game, offers versatility and a strong presence on both ends of the court. Gabe Vincent provides depth and shooting from the guard position, while Jalen Hood-Schifino, a promising young guard, adds to the Hawks' pool of emerging talents. The inclusion of the 2029 first-round pick further bolsters the Hawks' future prospects, giving them additional flexibility in the draft or potential future trades.
A Blockbuster Trade That Makes The Lakers The Biggest Winners This Summer
In a summer where the Los Angeles Lakers missed out on top targets like Donovan Mitchell, Dejounte Murray, and DeMar DeRozan, landing Trae Young would be a game-changing move. The Lakers' front office has been under pressure to make significant improvements to support LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and acquiring Young would be a resounding statement of their commitment to winning now before James rides off into the sunset.
For LeBron James and Anthony Davis, adding Trae Young would be the perfect remedy for the Lakers' recent struggles because they ranked 24th in three-pointers made and 15th in offensive rating (115.9). Young's ability to score from anywhere on the court and create for his teammates would take significant pressure off LeBron, allowing him to conserve energy and focus on key moments in games.
Not to mention, Trae Young is a more impactful acquisition than other potential targets like Zach LaVine. While LaVine is an excellent scorer, Young's combination of scoring, passing, and leadership makes him a more valuable asset for the Lakers' title aspirations. Young's ability to control the pace of the game and make clutch plays in critical moments is something the Lakers have lacked in recent seasons. By securing Young, the Lakers would address multiple needs and set themselves up as the biggest winners of the offseason, positioning themselves as a top contender for the 2024-25 NBA championship.
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