The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to get good news soon that could play a major role in a summer pursuit of Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young.
Heading into the NBA games today the Lakers are in a final-week battle to avoid being forced into two NBA Play-In Tournament games next week. While they are focused on a deep run in this year’s playoffs most around the league are not expecting the team to match the journey to the Western Conference Finals this time last year.
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That is why the Lakers are one of those title pretenders in 2024 who are seeing their name already in the speculation about what’s to come in the summer. After some of their biggest contributors from last season — Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura to name a few — did not have the same impact this season it’s likely the organization could be star-hunting again in the offseason.
One name they have been linked to over the last year is three-time All-Star Trae Young. The Atlanta Hawks are expected to break up his backcourt combo with Dejounte Murray, and the Lakers are rumored to be big fans. However, until now they have likely lacked the draft chips necessary to acquire him in a deal. That may change soon.
New Orleans Pelicans not expected to use Los Angeles Lakers first-round pick in 2024
According to The Ringer NBA reporter Kevin O’Connor claimed “People around the league expect that the Pelicans will give the Lakers their pick this year and take the 2025 pick.” Los Angeles still owes New Orleans a first-round pick stemming from their trade for Anthony Davis in 2019.
While some might assume the organization could use the selection on Lebron James’ son Bronny to make sure he doesn’t opt out of his contract after this season, O’Connor believes it will be used differently.
“If that’s the case, it’s hard to fathom that Los Angeles would use the pick on Bronny. Rob Pelinka is far more likely to use it to chase Trae Young or another star in a trade,” O’Connor wrote.
The NBA reporter suggested the team could use their second-round pick on Bronny James if he does decide to go to the next level in the NBA Draft in a couple of months. Many draft pundits believe Lebron James’ son is likely to be a late first, or early second-round pick if he does not return to college next season.