Trae Young Trade Rumors: Lakers 'Would Have Competition' if Hawks Make Star Available

Would the Los Angeles Lakers be interested in Trae Young if the Atlanta Hawks made him available this summer?

It's possible.

ESPN's Zach Lowe brought up the possibility in his post-NBA trade deadline column, though he added that if the Purple and Gold want the star point guard, they "would have competition for him":

"Depending on how the next two-plus months unfold for the Hawks, perhaps the Lakers at that point might probe the availability of Young instead of Murray. If the Hawks ever make Young available, the Lakers would have competition for him. The broader league is watching Young and the Hawks now. Young's ability as an offensive engine -- a passing genius with the range to break any defense -- is undeniable. But there is curiosity about what kind of ecosystem he and his team need around him to succeed at the highest levels."

The Lakers stood pat at Thursday's trade deadline, but they enter the offseason with three first-round picks available to move.

TNT's Chris Haynes reported Thursday that L.A.'s "probable path" was to avoid making any moves at the deadline given the "potential to acquire another star player in the offseason when armed with three first-round picks."

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports also reported Thursday that there are "several front offices that listened to Atlanta's pre-deadline chatter and came away from conversations with the Hawks of the belief Trae Young could become available for trade this summer."

Fischer named the Lakers and San Antonio Spurs as teams that would be interested in Young.

Young has been Atlanta's leading man since 2018, but the Hawks need to think about retooling their roster following two straight first-round playoff exits and a 22-29 start to the 2023-24 campaign.

While D'Angelo Russell has stepped up his game of late for the Lakers, he has a player option that he can decline this summer to become a free agent. Even if he opted in, Young would be a considerable upgrade at point guard.

The 25-year-old would be a great facilitator in L.A.'s lineup alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves. He's also a solid three-point shooter, which is something the Lakers have been looking to add over the last few seasons.

Young is averaging 27.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 10.9 assists in 46 games this season while shooting 43.2 percent from the floor and 38.0 percent from deep. His numbers are quite impressive given Atlanta's overall struggles.

Even if the Lakers don't acquire Young over the summer, the franchise is expected to add another star-caliber player. The time is ticking on the James and Davis era in Los Angeles, and the team needs to capitalize on the opportunity to win another title with both players still on the roster.