The Los Angeles Lakers are in need of top-level talent to add to that of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. That was evident after another beat-down at the hands of the Denver Nuggets, this time in the first round of the 2024 NFL Playoffs.
Both James and Davis played well in that series, but the supporting cast was a mixed bag, at best.
After the firing of head coach Darvin Ham, some optimism was restored that the Lakers would not only make a splash in the coaching market but also in free agency.
Well, they certainly made a splash in the coaching realm with the hiring of former player JJ Redick. In terms of player acquisitions, it has been quiet on the Western front.
The Lakers made headlines when they drafted LeBron’s son, Bronny James, in the 2nd round of the draft, but that was not surprising, nor is it seen as a move that will have any impact in the foreseeable future.
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One name that has been linked to the Lakers, and would make a significant immediate impact is current Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young.
- Trae Young 2023-24 Stats: 25.7 PTS, 2.8 TRB, 10.8 AST
However, according to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, the Lakers have “little recent interest in Young. That could change if the price drops to L.A.’s liking. But the market for Young is as chilly as it has ever been.”
Young is currently in Year 3 of the five-year extension that he signed back in 2022.
Trae Young Base Salary
- 2024-25: $43,031,940
- 2025-26: $45,999,660
- 2026-27: $48,967,380
Trading for Young would certainly be the splash that Lakers’ fans are looking for, but at the moment, it does not seem like the move that the team will make.
