The Los Angeles Lakers have been the subject of a lot of different conversations leading up to the NBA trade deadline, but it might be a good idea for them to sit out this window of opportunity. “If they keep their powder dry, they’ll have more tradable picks in July,” Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer wrote on January 30. “Three firsts and three swaps, on top of all the player assets they have. That’d be enough pieces to put them in the running for a long list of possibilities. Trae Young would likely welcome a trade to Los Angeles at any time.” Young, 25, is having a strong season for the Atlanta Hawks despite the team’s 20-27 record. He is averaging 27.0 points, 10.9 steals a Young is two years into a $215 million, five-year contract. Along with three other players currently on the roster, he shares representation with Klutch Sports Group, which gives him more ties to the Lakers. LeBron James and Anthony Davis stand out among them. Young is a perennial Lakers target in addition to being a two-time All-Star and a one-time All-NBA selection. Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported on August 31 that “Trae Young has long been on Los Angeles’ radar, depending on how his situation unfolds in Atlanta.”
