NBA Fastbreak: Even the Lakers had a feel-good story this season

The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t make a move at the trade deadline, which increases the probability they can do something more significant this offseason. The Lakers plan to use the three picks available to them (2024 or 2025, 2029 and 2031) in the offseason to pursue a star via trade.

The Lakers have identified Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young and Kyrie Irving as potential targets in the offseason, sources tell Jovan Buha of The Athletic.

Mitchell will be entering the final season of his contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers this offseason and his status remains uncertain. The Cavaliers, however, have played well since the start of 2024 and he has also been strongly linked with the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat.

Young’s future with the Atlanta Hawks is somewhat murky after they were unable to trade Dejounte Murray. Young is on a larger contract than Murray and would presumably fetch a larger trade haul. There are opposing front offices already speculating that the Hawks could entertain a Young trade.

Irving has been linked with the Lakers since he first considered an exit from the Brooklyn Nets in June 2022. Irving was subsequently traded to the Dallas Mavericks and re-signed on a three-year, $126 million deal.