Lakers Among Favorites To Sign $241 Million 2-Time All-Star

The Los Angeles Lakers look good at the moment, but Rob Pelinka can still sign at least one All-Star. The Lakers have been linked to several players and Trae Young seems to be a good option.

Sportsbetting.ag suggests that Pelinka’s team has the eighth-best odds (+1200) to sign Young. It’ interesting to note that Young is represented by Klutch Sports. Rings a bell? The Lakers have tight connections with the agency.

In 2021, Young inked a five-year rookie contract extension worth $215.2 million. He averages 26.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 10.2 assists while going 42.9% from the field, 33.5% from beyond the arc, and 88.6% from the free-throw line. In other words, getting him would change a lot of things in LA.

Lakers have a real chance to sign the All-Star

Kevin O’Connor from The Ringer was among the first to discuss Young’s future with the Hawks. It seems like Atlanta can still trade the talented player.

“With the offseason approaching, league sources say the Hawks’ front office has the green light from ownership to do whatever it wants to with the roster, which includes considering trade opportunities involving All-Star point guard Trae Young,” O’Connor wrote. “This should come as no real surprise considering what’s transpired over the course of the season. In March, Hawks owner Tony Ressler told The Athletic’s Jeff Schultz he’s neither opening nor closing the door on any players being moved. Months earlier, Shams Charania and Sam Amick reported on escalating tensions between Young and former head coach Nate McMillan, leading to team meetings and questions about Young’s leadership. Players reportedly sided with the coach over their star player. Things got so ugly that TNT’s Chris Haynes reported that Young could request a trade this summer if the Hawks fail to make ‘inroads’ in the playoffs.”

Young has nothing but respect for LeBron James. This could push him to LA sooner than expected.

Eric Pincus from Bleacher Report quoted an NBA source suggesting that the Lakers can get Young this offseason. Does this make any sense?

“I think Trae will want out after the season,” the NBA source told Pincus. “The Hawks probably try to get out of John Collins and others by the deadline, but Trae’s a long shot. Maybe the [Lakers] in July with his ties to Klutch [Sports].”