Lakers Rumors: Huge Star On Lakers Trade Radar This Summer

The Los Angeles Lakers and big shiny star names will always be linked in the NBA rumor mill, and this summer will be no different. Lakers Insider Jovan Buha of The Athletic is confirming that his sources say that Atlanta Hawks All-Star Trae Young will be a prime trade target for the Lakers this offseason.

The one name I continually hear is Trae Young. He’s been to Laker playoff games before. He’s a Klutch Sports client. That’s probably the most realistic one right now.

Young may not play again this season for the Hawks as he's out with a finger injury, but that won't keep his name out of the trade buzz going around the league. It's been known for some time now that the Hawks seem to be souring on their backcourt pairing of Young and Dejounte Murray, leaving many to speculate that one of them will be dealt and that it now is most likely to be Trae.

Indeed, there are reports that Atlanta was in trade talks with the San Antonio Spurs surrounding Trae at the deadline. “I think they would love to trade Trae,” said one Western Conference executive.

As for the Lakers, they didn't make any moves at the trade deadline, and are likely itching to make a big splash this summer. 

Young was averaging 26.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 10.8 assists, 1.4 steals 37.1% from three-point range this season, while earning his third All-Star game berth.

The Hawks, however, are having another disappointing season, currently at 34–40 and sitting in 10th in the Eastern Conference, in the final Play-In spot. The Lakers aren't in a much better position in the Western Conference, holding down the ninth spot and facing a Play-In Battle with first either the Golden State Warriors or the soaring Houston Rockets, and then, if they they are able to win that game, would face potentially the tough Phoenix Suns or Sacramento Kings. 

Young is currently in the middle of a five-year $215 million contract, but he does not own a no-trade clause.

In 6 NBA seasons, he holds career marks of 25.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 9.5 assists.

Photo: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports