Grade the trade: Lakers add All-NBA guard in proposed deal
By Jason Reed
![WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 04: Head coach Darvin Ham of the Los Angeles Lakers watches the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 04, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 04: Head coach Darvin Ham of the Los Angeles Lakers watches the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 04, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/27fb2c9d33df5df5e9d090061ddde9feb2befd797f3d7506c34b3af6b49549df.jpg)
Los Angeles Lakers grade for Trae Young trade: C
This trade gets a passing grade still as it would add a star to the roster and would give the team more firepower than any other team in the Western Conference. On paper, even with the assets being shipped to Atlanta, it is easy to get excited about this Lakers team.
Los Angeles would have a starting five of Young, Austin Reaves, Jarred Vanderbilt, LeBron and Anthony Davis. The bench unit would be headlined by Gabe Vincent, Taurean Prince, Max Christie, Jaxson Hayes, and whatever buyout target the Lakers could convince to come to LA. On paper, that is a title-winning team.
Is it worth it to ship many of the team’s future assets to maybe when one title? That is what the Lakers need to discuss. It is also worth it to trade those future assets to commit to the duo of Young and AD for multiple years? That is another tough question.
There are several other stars that the Lakers should be looking to add over Young if this is the direction the team wants to take, hence why it is just a C grade.
Atlanta Hawks grade for Trae Young trade: B-
Again, I know Hawks fans are going to say this is not enough but if Young wants out and the team has to blow it up this is a pretty good return. Those three picks could be very valuable and they get more assets in the deal that can be flipped for draft capital.
Just look at the trade market this offseason and fans will realize that Young is not going to get some grandfather haul. Bradley Beal was traded for second-round picks (although he had a no-trade clause) and the offers for Damian Lillard are underwhelming.
Young is a worse version of Lillard (albeit younger). It is hard to find a trade that makes sense for another team in which they are giving more assets than the Lakers would be in this potential deal.
Next. 22 players the Lakers gave up on too early. dark