The Los Angeles Lakers could go after a third star to help LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the 2024-25 NBA season. But it looks like one of their targets could end up helping Victor Wembanyama with the San Antonio Spurs.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Trae Young could leave the Atlanta Hawks this offseason, with the guard seeing both the Lakers and Spurs as attractive destinations apart from the New Orleans Pelicans:
“The Hawks, of course, are expected to engage rival teams on trade scenarios for both Trae Young and Dejounte Murray throughout this offseason. The Lakers, Pelicans and Spurs remain three destinations that would be appealing to Young, league sources told Yahoo Sports. …”
Young has been linked with the purple and gold for years now, but with LeBron’s championship window closing, this summer could be the last chance for the Lakers to make it happen.
The Spurs, meanwhile, know they need more talent around Wembanyama. San Antonio definitely has potential with the French sensation, but its 22-60 record in his rookie year suggests the team should pair the 20-year-old with better players.
LeBron James, Anthony Davis want Lakers to land third star
Trae Young could be the kind of teammate LeBron and AD expect to have in LA next season. According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, both stars would like to have a third elite player with the Lakers:
“James has the leverage that comes with his forthcoming free agency, as he has until Saturday to decide whether to pick up his $51.4 million player option or opt out and sign a new deal (with the Lakers or elsewhere). Davis, meanwhile, has the organizational capital that comes with being a 31-year-old, nine-time All-Star who is signed through the 2027-28 season. And if the franchise cornerstones had their way, league sources say, the Lakers would prove their desire to win this week by going all-in for another elite player.“