The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly setting their sights on Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young in a bold move that could unite him with LeBron James and Luka Dončić to form one of the most formidable Big Threes in NBA history. Such a blockbuster deal would not only transform the Los Angeles Lakers’ championship outlook but also reshape the balance of power in the Western Conference.
How the Trade Could Happen
A potential trade scenario would likely send Trae Young to Los Angeles in exchange for a package centered around Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and a future first-round pick projected for 2031. The Los Angeles Lakers would also include pick swaps in 2030 and 2032 to sweeten the deal. To comply with the NBA’s salary-matching rules and avoid breaching the second apron under the new CBA, Los Angeles might need to add a contract such as Gabe Vincent or Dalton Knecht.
For Atlanta, this trade would bring in multiple versatile role players and valuable draft assets, providing the flexibility to continue building around young talents like Zaccharie Risacher and Jalen Johnson.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Perspective
• Acquiring Trae Young would give the Los Angeles Lakers one of the league’s premier offensive playmakers, who averaged 24.2 points and 11.6 assists per game during the 2025 season.
• His shooting and pick-and-roll efficiency would perfectly complement LeBron and Luka, creating an explosive offensive trio capable of dominating any defense.
• Beyond the immediate title push, Young could serve as the franchise’s cornerstone once LeBron eventually retires.
Hawks’ Perspective
• Trading Young’s $43 million salary would provide much-needed financial breathing room and flexibility for future roster moves.
• Austin Reaves would give Atlanta a steady playmaker at a more affordable price, while Hachimura and Vanderbilt would reinforce the team’s defense and rebounding.
• The addition of multiple draft picks and swaps would accelerate the Hawks’ rebuild around their emerging young core.
Players’ Perspective
• Trae Young would escape Atlanta’s rebuilding uncertainty and join an elite championship-contending team.
• LeBron James and Luka Dončić would benefit from another All-Star-caliber ballhandler who can share playmaking duties, reducing the offensive load and extending LeBron’s championship window.
The Upside and the Risks
Pros
• The Los Angeles Lakers would instantly become championship favorites with three elite offensive stars capable of dismantling any opponent.
• Young’s elite shooting and court vision would expand floor spacing and unlock new offensive schemes for head coach Darvin Ham.
• Atlanta would receive promising young contributors and future draft capital to sustain long-term competitiveness.
Cons
• The Los Angeles Lakers would have to part with significant defensive depth and future flexibility, leaving their bench thinner and their asset pool depleted.
• Young’s defensive liabilities, often criticized in playoff settings, could pose challenges against high-level postseason competition.
• For Atlanta, losing their franchise face could hurt fan engagement and team morale if their young players don’t develop quickly.
Together, Young and Dončić would combine for over 20 assists per game, creating one of the most dynamic playmaking duos in NBA history. Their ability to generate offense from anywhere on the court would make the Los Angeles Lakers a nightmare matchup for opponents.
Key Context and Long-Term Vision
LeBron James, entering his age-40 season, is reportedly pushing for one final championship run before the end of his legendary career. Pairing him with Luka Dončić, still only 26, and Trae Young, 27, gives Los Angeles both immediate title potential and a sustainable post-LeBron future. Young’s consistent production in Atlanta – averaging over 25 points and 10 assists across seven seasons – showcases his readiness to thrive on a bigger stage.
My Final Two Cents on this Mock Trade
If this deal materializes, it would mark one of the most significant power shifts in recent NBA history. The Los Angeles Lakers would field an all-time great offensive trio while maintaining relevance for years beyond LeBron’s retirement. The Hawks, on the other hand, would embrace a strategic rebuild with talented young players and valuable draft assets.
In the short term, Los Angeles would emerge as clear winners – becoming instant favorites to capture another championship. For Atlanta, success would hinge on player development and future roster moves. Either way, this potential trade would ignite the NBA landscape, fuel endless debate, and usher in a new era of star-driven basketball in Los Angeles.
