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Quick Bytes
- Lakers show minimal recent interest in Hawks’ Trae Young.
- Young’s defensive issues and attitude may affect his trade value.
- Hawks’ high trade demands for Young cause a stalemate with Lakers.
- Lakers miss out on free agent Buddy Hield to the Warriors.
Lakers’ Trade and Free Agency Updates
The Los Angeles Lakers have yet to make a significant upgrade this offseason, with their sights previously set on Atlanta Hawks’ star Trae Young.
Despite Young’s impressive stats, including three All-Star appearances and averages of 25.5 points and 9.5 assists, the Lakers have cooled off on pursuing him due to his defensive weaknesses and potential attitude concerns. ESPN’s Zach Lowe reports that the market for Young is currently tepid, with the Lakers waiting for a more favorable asking price from the Hawks.
The Hawks, on the other hand, are looking for a substantial return for Young, who has two more years on his contract plus a lucrative player option. The Lakers are reluctant to trade valuable assets like Austin Reaves without competition from other teams. With the Hawks having already traded Dejounte Murray, they might be gearing up for a rebuild, which could eventually lead to a compromise with the Lakers.
In other news, the Lakers were unsuccessful in acquiring free agent Buddy Hield, who opted to join the Golden State Warriors. This adds to the Lakers’ challenges in bolstering their roster through free agency, having missed out on several targets.
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