Lakers have shown ‘little interest recently’ in Hawks star

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

There have been plenty of moves in the NBA this offseason, but so far the Los Angeles Lakers have failed to make any big moves. Now, their options seem limited if management considers a big move, but one name remains in the running: Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young.

Young is a player the Lakers have been linked to in the past, and for good reason. He’s a multiple All-Star and is only 25 years old. He would be a solid scorer, shooter, and playmaker that this Lakers team needs. However, his defensive shortcomings and attitude issues seem to have hurt his trade value.

According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, the market for Young is cold right now, with the Lakers showing little interest recently, but that could change if the Hawks lower their asking price:

The Lakers have also shown little interest in Young of late, according to sources. That could change if the price drops the Lakers want. But the market for Young is colder than ever.

The fact that the Hawks are looking for a big trade in exchange for Young makes sense. He’s been selected to three All-Star teams in his six NBA seasons and is averaging 25.5 points and 9.5 assists over his career. His 35.5 percent 3-point shooting percentage isn’t as high as some might think, but that’s largely due to his shot selection, which would surely improve if he were to team up with LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the Lakers.

But the Lakers understand that the demand for Young isn’t there and aren’t willing to part with all of their top assets without making an offer for someone else. The Hawks are likely to insist on Austin Reaves in the deal, who the Lakers have long been reluctant to include in a trade and if that doesn’t change, the two sides could remain at an impasse.

The Hawks have already traded Dejounte Murray and could be looking to do a full rebuild now, which would strengthen their desire to move Young, who has two guaranteed years remaining on his contract and a $48.9 million player option for the 2026-27 season.

Likewise, the Lakers have repeatedly said they want to make a big move this summer, and Young may be their best chance to do so. Perhaps as the season approaches, the two sides will come together and find a way to work out a deal.

Lakers were suitors for Buddy Hield before he chose the Warriors

Unfortunately for the Lakers, they simply couldn’t convince their targets to join the team in free agency, missing out on Klay Thompson and Jonas Valanciunas. Another player the team apparently had their sights set on was Buddy Hield, one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA.

The Lakers were reportedly one of the suitors for Hield in free agency, but he ultimately opted to join the Golden State Warriors via a sign-and-trade, leaving the Lakers empty-handed once again.

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