There are barely two days left before the NBA trade deadline, and anticipation for Trae Young to join Los Angeles is beginning to grow. The Lakers are +300 for Trae Young and presently have the best chance of acquiring him in a potential trade with Atlanta, per the most recent betting odds provided by BetOnline.
The Lakers are the first at +300, followed by the Spurs of San Antonio (+700), the Mavericks (+500), the Pelicans (+600), and the Bulls (+400). The 25-year-old, who was selected with the fifth overall choice in 2018; this is his third career All-Star selection. Despite the Hawks’ rocky season, Trae has been able to maintain his offensive composure, averaging 27.3 points, 10.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game on 43.5% shooting.
All things considered, even if Trae may not be as good as others in his draft class (such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic), he is still a highly effective player and one of the greatest point guards in the league at the moment. Regretfully, his tenure with the Hawks has become increasingly questionable following multiple unsuccessful spells, and there are rumors that he could eventually be traded this season. In any case, we will soon learn how Young fits into Atlanta’s long-term goals, but for the Lakers, who are in dire need of playmaking, scoring, and steady performance to relieve LeBron James and Anthony Davis of some of their load, he would be a godsend.
The Los Angeles Lakers Are Struggling With Their Point Guard.
The Lakers came to value D’Angelo Russell’s shooting and spacing after acquiring him the previous season, particularly when compared to Russell Westbrook. The Lakers’ Cinderella run to the Conference Finals, fueled by Austin Reaves’ breakout performance and his arrival, gave them confidence in their chances of winning this season. Rather, the supporting group—Russell and Reaves in particular—have struggled with sporadic shooting and a diminished degree of court attention throughout the whole season. With just two games remaining, the Lakers are in danger of losing in the play-in round.
In direct response, general manager Rob Pelinka has been hinting that things might be changing and that nobody is really safe from a possible trade save LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers have reportedly made improving the backcourt their top priority, as evidenced by the frequent appearance of players like Dejounte Murray and Alex Caruso in recent weeks. It remains to be seen what the Lakers do, but Trae Young has the potential to make a significant difference for them.
LeBron James Can Maximize Trae Young’s Potential
There’s no denying that King James has the utmost regard for Trae as a guy and a player. He discussed Trae and defended his legacy as recently as February 3rd, even though he was left off of the All-Star rosters (he was eventually added as an injury replacement). LeBron has always praised the point guard in the past and even called him one of the best young players in the league at one time. However, James sees the opportunity to work with Young as more than just a chance to collaborate with a gifted shooter.
With Trae joining the squad, LeBron and the Lakers could be able to resurrect their hopes of winning an NBA championship and end this chapter of history with a triumph. As of right now, it’s unclear which team will be able to free him from Atlanta’s hold, but the Lakers are one that will be keeping an eye on things during the current campaign and potentially even into the summer.
