Deandre Campbell
Oct 9, 2025
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly exploring a major trade for Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young, aiming to form a new “Big Three” with LeBron James and Luka Dončić. While trade proposals include key role players and draft picks, sources say a deal remains unlikely as the Hawks hesitate to part with their franchise guard.
Lakers Reportedly Eye Trae Young in Potential Blockbuster Trade
The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, are reportedly exploring the possibility of executing a blockbuster trade for Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young. This potential move is part of the Lakers' strategy to form a new “Big Three” that would consist of the seasoned superstar LeBron James, the rising talent Luka Dončić, and the dynamic All-Star guard Young. According to multiple reports from credible sources within the league, this ambitious plan is gaining traction as the Lakers seek to enhance their competitiveness in the Western Conference.
In terms of trade proposals, various scenarios have emerged suggesting that the Lakers could offer a robust package that includes promising young players such as Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and Jarred Vanderbilt, alongside several future draft picks. This combination could provide the Hawks with valuable assets to rebuild or strengthen their roster. However, the Hawks are reportedly hesitant to part ways with Young, who is currently under a lucrative five-year contract worth $215 million. His contract status adds a layer of complexity to any potential deal, as the Hawks are aware of his immense value not just as a player but also as a franchise cornerstone.
League insiders have indicated that the Lakers are earnest in their pursuit of adding another elite playmaker to their roster. However, the negotiations are expected to be complicated due to salary-cap restrictions and the Hawks' desire to remain competitive in the league. The intricacies of the salary cap mean that the Lakers will need to be strategic in how they structure any potential deal, balancing the immediate need for star power with the long-term implications on their roster composition and financial flexibility.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, sources recently informed Bleacher Report that the likelihood of a trade has diminished following Trae Young's recent change of representation, which often signals a shift in a player's career strategy and priorities. Despite this development, interest from Los Angeles remains strong as the team continues to look for ways to retool and strengthen its core around LeBron James and other key players. The Lakers' management is keenly aware that the window for championship contention is narrowing, making this pursuit even more critical.
If this trade were to materialize, it would undoubtedly elevate the Lakers’ offensive capabilities to new heights, providing them with a potent scoring threat and a playmaker who can create opportunities for both himself and his teammates. However, such a move would come at a significant cost, potentially stripping the team of crucial depth and limiting their future flexibility in the roster-building process. For the time being, Trae Young has publicly stated that he is “focused on helping Atlanta win,” indicating his commitment to the Hawks, even as speculation about his future continues to swirl and dominate the headlines in the basketball world.