The Los Angeles Lakers are widely expected to be one of the most active teams this summer, with them potentially trading for a star to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. With several stars on the trading block, that appears to be a strong possibility. Especially given the Lakers track record for landing top players in blockbuster deals throughout their history, with Davis being the most recent example.
Despite that, a new report suggests that they may not have as strong of a chance to do so as initially thought. According to Sam Amico, the Cleveland Cavaliers, who may have two stars available in either Donovan Mitchell or Darius Garland, aren't willing to trade with the Lakers this summer.
Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert reportedly ‘would never’ trade Donovan Mitchell to the Lakers, per @AmicoHoops
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 20, 2024
“Gilbert and Koby Altman would look for a lucrative package of multiple draft picks and one or two young players with star potential in a Mitchell trade. For example, a… pic.twitter.com/TzssYQ8QXi
If that is the case, then that is a gut punch for Los Angeles, who would be left on the sidelines while another team potentially trades for Mitchell. That might force them to put all their eggs in the Trae Young basket since he may be available in trade talks as well.
Can the Los Angeles Lakers still land a star of the summer?
The Lakers will have three picks as well as Austin Reeves to try and entice a team to trade them their star. While several teams can best that offer, it looks as though the San Antonio Spurs, who have the second-most trade assets available, may instead continue to build through the draft. That might help keep Young's trade value low enough to give the Lakers a chance. Better still, if the Atlanta Hawks indeed shop him, then they may seek his input and the Lakers could be at the top of his list.
With the Hawks having the number one pick in this year's draft but not having control of their selections from 2025–2027, they would probably value picks. Assuming the Lakers offer them the 17th pick and this year's draft, as well as lightly protected 2029 and 2031 picks, plus Reaves, then that should be enough to net them Young.
After seeing the defending champion Denver Nuggets toppled, the Lakers may be especially motivated to add another star in the hopes that they can beat the Nuggets and the eventual Western Conference champion's next season. However, if this rumor is to be believed, then Mitchell won't be a Laker next season.