For the Los Angeles Lakers, it seems unlikely that they will make it to the Finals. There were nights when guys like LeBron James and Anthony Davis looked like they could beat anyone. Then there was Friday night, when the Lakers were blown away by the Indiana Pacers, 109-90.
“I think the way we lost tonight was a wasted opportunity,” Davis said. Jovan Buha The Athletic's.
LA added some new supporting pieces last offseason, but is largely back to operating with the same core that got them to the Western Conference Finals in 2023. Barring another surprise, the Lakers could very well take a different approach this summer.
Buha said the Lakers will likely acquire another superstar to pair with James and Davis in 2024.
“I can confirm that from multiple sources. They're on the hunt for a third star this offseason,” Buha said in a Q&A (h/t Jesse Cinquini of Lakers Daily). “And let's see how that affects the D-Lo (D'Angelo Russell) situation. We'll see what happens, but we'll probably have to give up Austin.” [Reaves] In almost every…three-star deal. ”
Pursuing a third star comes with risks, and the Lakers are well aware of that after the Russell Westbrook experiment failed. A major trade would likely come at the expense of a key young contributor like Reaves and valuable draft capital. If the home run swing doesn't pay off, it could have a huge negative impact on Los Angeles' prospects beyond the James and Davis era.
There is also a lot of uncertainty surrounding the remnants of that era. James has a player option next season and is scheduled to become a free agent in 2025. Acquiring an older star like James' former teammate Kyrie Irving could backfire in a big way.
If the Lakers are adamant about pursuing a new “Big Three,” it would make much more sense to target a star who could be a long-term centerpiece. Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young would fit that mold. Buha said Young could be included in L.A.'s plans.
“One of the names I keep hearing is Trae Young. He's been to a Lakers playoff game before. He's a Klutch Sports customer. That's probably the most realistic one right now. right.”
Young is almost an ideal target for the Lakers for several reasons. As an example, if Russell declines his player option for next season, head coach Darvin Ham will take his place. Second, Young is a more explosive playmaker than Russell, and his offensive ability would mesh well with James and Davis in the short term.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Young will turn 26 in September. If James were to move on from LA, he could easily pair up with Davis to give LA a viable core duo.
As of now, Reaves, who is several months older than Young, is the closest thing the Lakers have to a second superstar if James moves up. Los Angeles has discovered a talent in the former two-way player, but Young still has the upper hand.
A trade for Young may also be possible. The Hawks haven't become a powerhouse after combining Young with Dejounte Murray, but there are plenty of stories that suggest the former could be available.
“I think they want to trade Trey,” one Western Conference executive said in February, according to Howard Beck of The Ringer.
Acquiring Young doesn't guarantee a championship, or even that James will stay in LA, but from a long-term team-building perspective, he's a better option than any other possible move. It would make much more sense.
Young is more than six years younger than Irving and, like Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, is not scheduled to play on an expiring contract next season.
Bukha newspaper reported in early February that league officials said Young, Irving and Mitchell were desirable targets in 2024.
If the Lakers are serious about signing a third star this summer, they'll have to start and hopefully finish that pursuit with Young.
