The Los Angeles Lakers needs to be on the lookout for a dependable level guard who is not in peril of being demoted.
A dynamic Atlanta Hawks celebrity identified for taking over a villainous position within the NBA could possibly be the reply to one of many Lakers’ many issues this season.
“After Trae Younger’s three-pointer sealed the Hawks’ victory over the Lakers on Friday evening (134-132), commerce hypothesis intensified across the dynamic level guard,” Nick Wright of Athlon Sports activities wrote on Sunday.
“Whereas Atlanta is reportedly keen to maneuver Younger as they transfer towards constructing round their rising wing duo of Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels, the Lakers might capitalize on this chance.”
“Younger could possibly be an attention-grabbing candidate for the Lakers, particularly within the pick-and-roll sport with Anthony Davis.”
“The 25-year-old guard’s elite playmaking and deep capturing vary would add one other dimension to the Lakers’ offense, which has struggled for consistency this season.”
“Whereas Younger’s defensive limitations are well-documented, they is perhaps much less egregious for a Lakers group that has already demonstrated that it prioritizes offensive firepower over lock-down protection.”
“Nonetheless, any potential deal would doubtless require the Lakers to half methods with rookie sensation Dalton Knecht. The 23-year-old has exceeded expectations since Charles Barkley proclaimed him “a nasty boy” throughout pre-season.
“Knecht’s latest emergence – together with his 27-point outburst in opposition to New Orleans and his NBA rookie-record 9 three-pointers in opposition to the Utah Jazz – has made him an more and more beneficial commerce asset, but it surely additionally makes it tougher for the Lakers to think about shifting.”
“The (Golden State) Warriors are reportedly making ready to enter the Younger competitors, which might enhance the asking worth.”
“For the Lakers, the choice in the end comes right down to whether or not they suppose including a 3rd star alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis exceeds Knecht’s growth potential.”
“Because the February commerce deadline approaches, the Lakers might want to weigh these components fastidiously.”
“Younger’s confirmed observe report as a franchise cornerstone could possibly be definitely worth the funding, however buying and selling away a promising younger expertise like Knecht can be a giant gamble for a group already skinny on younger property.”
The Hawks are having a quietly spectacular season because of Younger’s high-level play.
The regular scorer and passer on the transfer averages 20.9 factors and 12.2 assists per sport, serving to the Hawks win six of their final seven video games and go 13-12.
Regardless of Atlanta’s pleasantly stunning begin to the yr, the Hawks is perhaps keen to chop ties with Younger if the best commerce bundle is introduced to them.
The Lakers might purchase the Oklahoma product by buying and selling a future All-Star in Knecht and a number of other further property to the Hawks.
Whereas it could be robust to come back away from the indeniable greatest steal of the 2024 draft, the Lakers’ successful perspective would possibly drive them to present Knecht the nod in yr one.
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