3 Upgrades the Lakers could acquire to replace D’Angelo Russell

Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

Perhaps the most likely of options, Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young has been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers for quite some time. An All-Star who produces at a superstar level, Young is viewed by some as the missing piece and others as a player who should be avoided.

While many have questioned Young's efficacy as a No. 1 option, there's ample reason for intrigue as far as a long-term pairing with Anthony Davis is concerned.

Young boasts absurd career averages of 25.5 points and 9.5 assists per game. He averaged a career-best 10.8 assists per game in 2023-24, and has reached peaks of 29.7 and 28.4 points per game during his generationally productive six seasons.

The concerns about Young, however, are that he struggles defensively and has been questioned as far as his willingness to share the spotlight is concerned.

If Davis and LeBron James believe that Young can round out their superstar trio, however, it would be difficult to argue against the unit being formed. The hurdle that may prevent that scenario from materializing is that Young is owed more than $89 million over the next two seasons—and has a near $49 million player option for 2026-27.

If the Lakers are willing to pay the price, however, Young would be an on-court upgrade over Russell—both in the regular season and the playoffs.