Lakers Trade Rumors: New Proposal Puts 26YO Star’s LA Future In Jeopardy & Leaves LeBron Frowning At Rob Pelinka

Any moves the Lakers make this summer could have a massive impact on their future. Failing to make it past the first round, it is pretty evident that LeBron James’ squad either needs to get another superstar or add more depth to their lineup. With that, all eyes are now on Rob Pelinka to see what the General Manager cooks up for his team to get back to title contention. Amid all the speculations, a new proposal is on the table for the Lakers that reportedly involves the departure of their young star Austin Reaves. Considering previous statements, this angle might get a serious sideeye from King James.

As per a recent report by Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey, Pelinka might have a chance to pull off a massive three-team trade with the Hawks and the Raptors, which would bring superstar Trae Young to LA. But for that, the Purple and Gold will have to give up the majority of their assets in return. Acquiring Trae from Atlanta and Kelly Olynyk from Toronto, Pelinka will probably have to let D’Lo, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jalen Hood-Schifino. That’s basically their entire core of young players who helped them get to the Conference Finals last year. However, the potential trade doesn’t end there.

While the above deal suggests a young flurry of Laker talents vanishing from LA, a first-round pick swap from 2028 and 2030 along with a 2029 and 2031 first-round pick, and a 2025 second-round pick is projected to be on offer from the LA side. But the Trae Young fit with LeBron and AD might be too good to overlook for Rob Pelinka. With LeBron’s ability to get inside the paint and dish out incredible passes to wide-open shooters, Trae could do wonders playing with the veteran.

Shooting over 37% from beyond the arc and the range only a few players can match in the league, Trae’s shooting will only improve alongside LeBron. Meanwhile, with his incredible passing ability, the pick-and-roll action between him and AD will be a treat to watch for the fans. Dishing out nearly eleven assists this season, Trae was among the best playmakers in the league. So, the Lakers will get an all-around player and a bonafide star if they agree to the rumored proposal.

Why would LeBron James have a problem with the Trae Young trade?

Yes, the Lakers and even LeBron would love to have a star like Trae on their team. However, James might not want it to happen the suggested way because then, he would have to part ways with his beloved teammate, Austin Reaves. During an episode of his Mind The Game podcast, LeBron revealed how Austin Reaves has won his trust over the years, especially during the series against Memphis last year where he let him lead the Lakers’ offense. “Last year in the Memphis series, Austin Reaves gained a lot of trust from me,” LeBron said.

In a playoff debut performance that skyrocketed Reaves’ stardom to new heights, he scored 23 points against the Grizzlies and led his team to a huge victory. And LeBron claimed that before Reaves’ breakout fourth-quarter performance, he told the young star, “Go win it for us.” Comparing that move to the game of chess, LeBron believed that he gave Reaves the reins in that game because that would boost his confidence immensely and pay dividends in the future.

And it did just that, as Reaves played a huge role in the Lakers’ run to the West Finals. So, it will upset LeBron if Reaves is traded away just one year after he gained LeBron’s trust and they were starting to find their groove. Do you think Rob Pelinka should consider this trade regardless of how LeBron James feels?

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow in what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.