Done deal: Lakers land in Vet Big Man in $215 Million megal deal.

The Los Angeles Lakers need to choose a new head coach before they can truly start concentrating on their roster, but since JJ Redick seems to be the front-runner for the position, the franchise should at least be considering their choices. Guard Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks has been connected to the team for some time, but no deal has materialized.

The Lakers will probably have to pay a high price if they want Young. The Toronto Raptors would be included in a three-team trade that was proposed by Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey. In exchange for Jalen McDaniels from the Raptors, the Hawks would receive Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, a 2028 first-round selection swap with Los Angeles, a 2029 first-round pick from Los Angeles, and a 2031 first-round pick from Los Angeles. Both Kelly Olynyk and Young would go to the Lakers.

In a column published on June 1, Bailey stated, “Over the last five seasons, Young averaged 27.1 points, 9.9 assists, and 2.8 threes per game despite the constant stream of criticism that’s followed him for most of his career.” “He’s one of the NBA’s most effective and dynamic pick-and-roll players and offensive motors. With Young and Anthony Davis together, the Lakers may perhaps feel a little more certain about their future after losing LeBron James.

In exchange for giving up a lot, the Lakers would acquire a highly skilled point guard to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Los Angeles Lakers Would Also Benefit from Kelly Olynyk
The Lakers would be giving up many of their top depth players if they made this move. Hachimura, Vanderbilt, and Reaves are crucial players for Los Angeles. It would be simpler to lose some of those important players if Olynyk could be acquired in this trade.

Bailey stated, “Kelly Olynyk would fit in perfectly on almost any contender, but that’s especially true with the Lakers, given his size, passing ability, and outside shot.” “Without surrendering any floor spacing, the 6’11” large would return Davis to his natural position at the 4.”

This season, one of the Lakers’ shortcomings was the absence of a strong big man to complement Davis. Christian Wood didn’t have a particularly good season, but he was hurt throughout the playoff run. Olynyk is a great shooter and a large, trustworthy man. He would fit in well with Davis, and Los Angeles would benefit from him playing less center.

Is Another Star What the Los Angeles Lakers Want?
The NBA is increasingly eschewing the practice of constructing teams with three or more max stars. Building out the rest of the roster is extremely challenging when three players are signed to maximum contracts.

Leading players Davis and James comprised a deep roster that the Lakers possessed when they won the title in 2020. Their attempt to bring Russell Westbrook into the fold backfired miserably. Although Young is not the same player as Westbrook, he would still cause some of the same issues. We’ll see what the Lakers decide to do.

They lost in the first round of the playoffs despite their best efforts to assemble a stronger team around Davis and James this season. This offseason, general manager Rob Pelinka may reconsider and go star-hunting once more.