The Los Angeles Lakers are enduring their worst stretch of the 2024-25 season, having dropped eight of their last 11 games.
With the team struggling to stay competitive, there’s no denying that the Lakers are in desperate need of a significant trade to turn their fortunes around. For a team with championship aspirations—and an increasingly narrow window to achieve them—a bold move could make the difference between another early postseason exit and a deep playoff run.
This potential trade could be the shake-up the Lakers need to maximize their slim championship window while LeBron James and Anthony Davis are still leading the charge.
In this scenario, the Lakers send out three of their key depth pieces and a 2027 first-round pick in exchange for Atlanta Hawks star guard Trae Young. The idea of Young joining the Lakers has lingered in trade rumors for some time, and this deal could finally bring the dynamic playmaker to Los Angeles.
Lakers receive: Trae Young
Hawks receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and a 2027 first-round pick
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Young, a three-time All-Star, is having another strong season. He’s currently averaging 21.0 points, a league-leading 12.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game, though his shooting splits (38 percent from the field and 30 percent from three) leave room for improvement.
Even so, Young would instantly give the Lakers a significant boost as a primary playmaker and scoring threat. His ability to create offense both for himself and his teammates would complement James and Davis, forming a formidable “Big Three” in Los Angeles.
Young’s court vision and range make him a threat from virtually anywhere on the floor, and his arrival would solidify the Lakers as contenders in a highly competitive Western Conference.
Now, L.A.’s defense wouldn’t improve, but it can’t be any worse than what they have currently.
For the Lakers, the outgoing players—while valuable—haven’t lived up to expectations this season.
Vincent, sidelined by injuries for much of his tenure in L.A., has been underwhelming when available and hasn’t justified the contract he signed in the summer of 2023.
Hachimura has failed to replicate the form he displayed during the 2023 playoffs and has been inconsistent on both ends of the floor. Russell, meanwhile, has struggled to find his rhythm this season, a far cry from his impactful performances last year. While each player has potential value, their departures would not significantly harm the Lakers’ overall outlook.
Landing Young would be a massive upgrade, giving the Lakers their best point guard since Lonzo Ball.
This trade would also provide the team with a legitimate third star to alleviate pressure on James and Davis. If the Lakers are serious about contending, this is the kind of high-risk, high-reward move they must consider.
More news: 76ers Rookie Sensation Jared McCain Ruled Out Indefinitely With Significant Injury
For more Lakers and NBA news, make sure to head over to Newsweek Sports.
