Lakers have 'discussed' trading for one of two star guards

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Lakers have 'discussed internally' trading for one of two star guards

By Jeff Smith | Last updated 6/18/23

For the Los Angeles Lakers fans yearning to hear Damian Lillard's name connected to the team in a potential trade scenario, the time is officially here. Unfortunately, it doesn't appear likely that acquiring Lillard will be the route the franchise opts to go this offseason.

The good news is that, as The Athletic's Jovan Buha reported, the Lakers have had "internal discussions" about potentially attempting to trade for Lillard or Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young. The bad news? Buha ripped the bandaid off quickly, citing that the discussions appear to be a "pipe dream."

"Young and Lillard have been discussed internally but appear nothing more than a pipe dream given the current asking prices for stars on the trade market," Buha explained.

Although Lillard joining LeBron James and Anthony Davis would instantly create one of the most exciting trios possibly in NBA history, it'd also be massively expensive. The Lakers would be left unable to do much else with their roster if they hypothetically acquired Lillard. And with the current outlook and previous results, the team managed while having three massive contracts/big names, it's hard to envision it receiving any serious consideration.

Even going beyond Lillard and the haul the Lakers would almost certainly have to send the Portland Trail Blazers, the team would face a similar outlook if they attempted to acquire Young as well. The potential fit of Young would be something worth watching, as he's not only a player capable of putting points on the board quickly, but he's fresh off a season in which he posted his best single-season assist average as well at 10.2 per game.

Obviously, the idea of the Lakers striking a trade for either Lillard or Young is ideal, but opting instead to build off last season's success and fill a few areas of need makes far more sense. It's also appearing to be more and more likely the route the team will go in the draft and free agency.

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