As the 2024 NBA offseason approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to strengthen their team. ESPN’s Chris Herring suggests a scenario where LeBron James joins the Philadelphia 76ers. If this happens, Herring envisions the Lakers signing Paul George as James’ replacement and trading for Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Austin Reaves.
ngeles loses James and replaces him with George, who’s accustomed to a reduced ball-handling role, it would be wise for them to acquire someone comfortable with taking on that responsibility,” Herring wrote on May 28. “Young, who has shared ball-handling duties with Dejounte Murray in Atlanta, fits that role perfectly. Although his efficiency, particularly from deep, can be inconsistent, his playmaking ability would create easy opportunities for Davis, who would immediately become the best big Young has ever played with.”
In this scenario, James would opt out of the one-year, $51.4 million left on his Lakers contract.
### Trae Young: The Most Realistic Option for the Lakers
Trae Young has been frequently mentioned in rumors regarding the Lakers’ offseason plans, often as a potential partner for James and Anthony Davis, not George.
In April, Jovan Buha of The Athletic named Young as the “most realistic” option for the Lakers. “The one name I continually hear is Trae Young,” Buha said. “He’s attended Lakers playoff games and is a Klutch Sports client. He’s probably the most realistic option right now.”
Other potential targets for the Lakers could include Donovan Mitchell and Dejounte Murray, depending on availability early in the offseason.
### How Young Would Benefit the Lakers
Whether or not James remains with the Lakers, adding Young would be advantageous, especially alongside Davis.
Although James had a more productive season than George, averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists, and shooting a career-high 41.0% from three-point range at 39 years old, Young’s playmaking would be invaluable. George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists last season.
If the Lakers keep their star duo and add Young, his exceptional passing skills would benefit both James and Davis. Young, a three-time All-Star, averaged a career-high 10.8 assists this past season and has consistently averaged at least 9.3 assists since his rookie year. Additionally, he averaged 25.7 points and shot 37.3% from three-point range last season.
