Now that the 2023–24 season is almost over, there’s a good chance general manager Rob Pelinka and company will decide to wait to make any significant decisions. The Lakers would then be in a position to sign a high-profile player in the summer.
According to recent reports from ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers are reportedly discussing internally trading three first-round picks and players for either Atlanta Hawks player Trae Young or star guard Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
For the Lakers to truly execute a deal this size, they would have to wait until the 2024 NBA Draft. They will then have the opportunity to present three potential first-round picks.
However, this still seems like a wishful idea. With a 26-15 record on the year, Cleveland holds the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta’s inability to trade young players has persisted despite the team’s general struggles (18–25 this season).
In the summer, things could drastically change. In the unlikely event that the Cavaliers extend Mitchell’s contract, he would only have one year left on it. In the meanwhile, given its ongoing difficulties, Atlanta might decide it’s time to blow things up.
Related: Unexpectedly, the Los Angeles Lakers declare a struggling player untouchable prior to the NBA trade deadline.
Whether it’s in the upcoming weeks leading up to the NBA trade deadline or in the summer, King James will be pressuring the Lakers to make a major impression. He won’t wrap up his illustrious career with a subpar squad.
Here, the question is whether James is aware of the Lakers’ current predicament. This summer, not ahead of, will be their best opportunity to pull off a blockbuster trade.
