The Denver Nuggets did it again. For the second time in a row, they ended the Los Angeles Lakers’ season on Monday night. And with that, LeBron James’ quest for the fifth title fell short once again. But now that it is over, there are more important topics to discuss. Will LeBron James return next season? He has chosen to stay mum on the topic for now. So, he might return to LA for another three years before retirement or seek his fifth ring elsewhere. But Boston Celtics’ legend Paul Pierce thinks leaving wouldn’t look too good for James’ legacy. However, he also makes a suggestion.

In a recent episode of Undisputed, Paul Piece revealed that if he were Lakers GM, he would look to rope in Donovan Mitchell to pair alongside Anthony Davis and James. “Donovan Mitchell would be the perfect fit…You can pair him, Anthony Davis, who needs to be a number 2. He’s clearly a number-two guy on a championship team. And Donovan Mitchell would take off so much pressure off LeBron if you give him three years. Now, your window is back open,” suggested Pierce.

There has been a growing sentiment around the league that Mitchell might opt out of his upcoming player option for the 2024–25 campaign if the Cavaliers do not make a deep run in the playoffs. So, if the Cavs trade Mitchell, or he opts out, the Lakers could combine D’Angelo Russell’s $18.7 million player option (considering he doesn’t opt out) and Rui Hachimura’s $17.0 million and some draft picks to match Mitchell’s $37.1 million number.

However, the problem is that if Mitchell becomes available, the Lakers won’t be the only ones scrambling for him. In that case, they can also recruit Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young.

How Lakers can entice Atlanta Hawks to rope in Trae Young

The Atlanta Hawks’ humbling play-in exit after a 131-116 loss to the Chicago Bulls made it clear that the Dejounte Murray-Trae Young duo isn’t good enough. That could mean moving their lone All-Star and building from the ground up. However, Young is making a staggering $43.0 million next season, with two more years remaining on the deal. Hachimura and Russell’s salaries won’t be enough to match Young’s number. The Hawks could potentially ask for Austin Reaves. But the Lakers had made Reaves nearly untouchable in trade talks while exploring the Dejounte Murray trade.

So, in that case, the Lakers could throw in 2023 first-round pick Jalen Hood-Schifino, whose salary along with the $3.2 million owed to the No. 17 pick in the 2024 draft would balance the financial aspects of the trade. And they also need to add their picks in 2029 and 2031 to sweeten the pot.

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Who should the Lakers go for? Donovan Mitchell or Trae Young? Let us know in the comments!