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The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly exploring the possibility of acquiring a significant NBA superstar before the February 8 trade deadline. Internal discussions within the Lakers organization have centered around the potential of packaging three draft picks and current roster players in exchange for an All-Star player, with names like Donovan Mitchell from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks being mentioned.
Despite entering the 2023-24 season with high expectations following last season’s appearance in the Western Conference Finals, the Lakers currently find themselves in ninth place in the Western Conference with a 22-22 record.
There has been speculation about the Lakers’ interest in star players like Mitchell and Young. However, recent reports indicate that both the Cavaliers and Hawks are not inclined to trade their star assets. The Cavaliers, sitting at fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a 26-15 record, reportedly plan to stick with Donovan Mitchell for the current season.
Donovan Mitchell, a four-time All-Star, has been a standout performer for the Cavaliers, averaging 27.8 points, 6.1 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.0 steals per game this season. With Mitchell under contract until at least the 2024-25 season, a trade seems unlikely at this point.
Trae Young, a two-time All-Star for the Atlanta Hawks, is having another impressive season, averaging 26.9 points, 10.8 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. However, the Hawks’ team performance has not matched Young’s individual success, as they currently stand at 10th place in the Eastern Conference with an 18-25 record. Young is signed through at least the 2025-26 season.
While the Lakers are in win-now mode and aspire to add a third star alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the feasibility of a trade for Mitchell or Young remains uncertain. If such a trade were to materialize, it might involve parting with key players like D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and possibly others, potentially impacting the team’s depth.
Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka could also explore alternative strategies, such as adding depth pieces if a blockbuster trade for a star player proves challenging. The Lakers, known for making impactful moves, could make calculated decisions to enhance their roster and strengthen their pursuit of a championship, leveraging the remaining peak years of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.