The Lakers were eliminated by the defending champion Nuggets 1-4 in the first round of the playoffs. After the Lakers are out, various NBA rosters are supporting the Lakers' summer reinforcements. The Athletic's Shams Charania, Jovan Buha and Sam Amick co-authored an article saying Trae Young is one of the Lakers' key targets for the offseason. Forbes Sports reporter Evan Sidery tweeted: "The Lakers could use 2024/25, 2029, 2031 first-round picks and Rivers as trade chips to offer Trae Young to the Hawks.
Trae Young, the star of the Hawks, played in 54 games for the Hawks during the regular season this season, averaging a double-double of 25.7 points and 10.8 assists per game. Statistically, Trae Young has become a two-way guard with both scoring and assists. His five-year, $207 million contract extension was well worth the money. Trae Young is sharp on the offensive end and has a very good outside shooting touch, which can reduce the scoring pressure on James and Thick Eyebrows, and with Trae Young's attraction and containment, James and Thick Eyebrows can also get some scoring opportunities more easily. Trae Young's playmaking ability can sort out the Lakers' offense and improve the Lakers' offensive efficiency. If Trae Young joins the Lakers, the Lakers' organizational tandem and offensive ability will be greatly improved, James and thick eyebrows will also get a strong helper, and the Lakers will form a new version of the Big Three lineup to attack the championship.
The Hawks are likely to enter the rebuilding phase again after sending away their core Trae Young, and through this deal, the Hawks can get three first-round picks from the Lakers, and Reaves has grown rapidly with the Lakers in recent seasons and has shown the potential to become a superstar. In order to match Trae Young's salary, the Lakers are likely to send some other role players as trade chips. If the Hawks and Lakers reach a deal on Trae Young, the Lakers will get the Big Three through this deal, and they will regain the strength and ability to challenge for the championship on paper. The Hawks, on the other hand, got the first-rounders, draft picks and young players with the potential to rise from the Lakers, laying a good foundation for the team's rebuild. From both perspectives, this deal is a win-win deal for both the Hawks and Lakers.
The addition of Trae Young has greatly improved the competitiveness of the Lakers, coupled with the fact that James still has a certain appeal in the league, the Lakers are likely to acquire some powerful players in the free agent market to strengthen the shortcomings of the lineup and bench depth. I think that's what Lakers fans and Lakers general manager Pelinka want to see