The Lakers are considering both a short-term move and possible long-term splashes for Donovan Mitchell and Trae Young as the trade deadline draws closer.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Lakers are thinking about making both a short-term move and potentially making a long-term splash for Trae Young and Donovan Mitche
The trade for Russell Westbrook was motivated by the desire to form a Big 3 with another superstar. For example, even though they might have picked up some new skills during the offseason, the Lakers are still the Lakers.
Therefore, it probably shouldn’t come as a huge surprise to see them associated with a celebrity once more. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin on Tuesday, the team may be considering Donovan Mitchell and Trae Young in the offseason.
This plan can’t be implemented until the NBA Draft because, as one of the last relics from the Anthony Davis trade, the Pelicans get to choose between the Lakers’ 2024 and 2025 first round selections. The Lakers will have three first-round picks available for trade after that decision is made.
Team sources told ESPN that the Lakers have internally discussed packaging three picks and players they already have in order to pursue a true star, like Atlanta Hawks player Trae Young or Cleveland Cavaliers player Donovan Mitchell.
The Lakers and both Mitchell and Young have been connected in the past.
There were rumors circulating last year as the Lakers were getting ready for the summer that they had similar “internal discussions” about dealing for Young. It’s also noteworthy that he uses Klutch, a practice that appears to be continuing lately.
Although they haven’t been connected to Mitchell directly, they have been connected indirectly. Although it wasn’t for Mitchell personally, the Lakers attempted to intervene in the trade that sent Mitchell to the Cavaliers. Beyond that, there hasn’t been much of a meaningful relationship between the two, despite their previous displays of openness or willingness to trade for Mitchell.Deep replay of Chris Webber vs. Kevin Garnett—a do-or-die, buzzer-beating matchup
In 2004, a protracted and contentious match between the Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves is coming to a close. The winner will go on to face the formidable Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs. Theoretically, the pivotal moment—either overtime or the end of the game—remains a fascinating, enduring matchup between Kevin Garnett and Chris Webber. We need to comprehend the entwined histories of those two revolutionary figures in order to fully appreciate this moment.
Comparing salaries wouldn’t be too difficult to calculate because the Lakers have a number of tradeable contracts. How much this plan would influence their decisions at the trade deadline is the question, though. Do they have enough confidence in their chances of signing Mitchell or Young to hold off on making a major trade at the deadline in favor of saving their picks for a future, even bigger trade?
Making this decision is difficult, especially with LeBron James on the team and the requirement to compete at the highest level for the duration of his career. However, LeBron has also demonstrated an unexpected degree of comprehension regarding the strategies the front office has employed on occasion during his career.
The Lakers have to consider this additional factor in light of the looming deadline.
Jacob’s handle on Twitter is @JacobRude.
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