5 Players Lakers Should Target on the Trade Market This Offseason
By Cem Yolbulan
Trae Young
If Donovan Mitchell is not an option, then No. 2 on the list for the Lakers should be Trae Young.
The Atlanta Hawks are likely having a firesale this summer considering the fact that they landed the first-overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Rebuilding seems inevitable in Atlanta and the player who can net them the most value is Trae Young.
The three-time All-Star is always criticized for his lack of defensive intensity and physicality. It is true that he can be a tough fit due to his weaknesses. However, the Lakers have the ability to cover for Young's shortcomings while benefitting immensely from his strengths.
Trae Young is an elite passer and pick-and-roll operator. For the regular season, he can carry the offensive load, letting LeBron James take a backseat. Young is more than capable of running an elite offense with his scoring and passing. When needed, he can be an off-ball option thanks to his ability to space the floor with his shooting.
Anthony Davis covering for Young on the defensive end, while being an excellent pick-and-roll partner to him on the other side of the ball makes Young a fascinating fit in Los Angeles.