The Atlanta Hawks had a disappointing season, culminating in a loss to the Chicago Bulls in the play-in tournament and missing the playoffs. Trade rumors have been swirling around their guards Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, with the Los Angeles Lakers being linked to both players. However, it seems that the Lakers are particularly interested in acquiring Young.

Colin Cowherd of Fox Sports speculates that Young will end up in Los Angeles, suggesting that a trade may be on the horizon. The Hawks, who recently acquired Murray, may be more inclined to build around him rather than Young, who has been with the team since 2018.

There have been previous rumors connecting Young to the Lakers due to his association with Klutch Sports. According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, the Lakers have a genuine interest in Young and could be one of the teams pursuing him if the Hawks decide to move him.

If the Lakers want to acquire Young, they would likely have to part ways with key players such as Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, as well as multiple draft picks. The success of the Lakers would then depend on the trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Young working well together and being able to contend for a championship.

Adding Young to the Lakers would provide them with a young star to pair with Davis once James retires, ensuring competitiveness for several seasons. However, there are questions about whether the current Lakers roster, with three players on maximum contracts, can effectively compete for a championship. While Young is a different player from Russell Westbrook, who previously joined the Lakers, his smaller stature and defensive limitations raise concerns. The success of the potential trio would be contingent on their health and ability to find chemistry on the court, making a championship victory uncertain.