NBA Notes: Lakers, Austin Reaves, Trae Young, James Harden, Bulls

Lakers

The Lakers have had Hawks guard Trae Young on their radar, as relayed by Jovan Buha of The Athletic, though the rise of Austin Reaves may not make such as pursuit necessary, 

“The Lakers have pursued other star guards, including Damian Lillard, Kyle Lowry and Kyrie Irving,” Buha wrote. “Even into this summer, there were some in the organization, including (LeBron James), who still had an interest in pursuing Irving, though the front office ultimately prioritized continuity. Trae Young has long been on Los Angeles’ radar, depending on how his situation unfolds in Atlanta.”

But again, Reaves is making the acquisition of a backcourt star seemingly less urgent.

“Reaves’ swift ascension over the last six months has presented an important question for the Lakers: How much does his emergence raise their ceiling next season — and beyond?” Buha wrote.

76ers

Star guard James Harden is looking for a trade to a place where he can be a top option, per Rachel Nichols of Showtime Sports.

“He thinks he should be leading the show,” Nichols said on FOX Sports’ Undisputed, via Clutch Points. “The reason why he wanted out of Philadelphia in the first place is that it’s the Joel Embiid show right now.”

Harden has been involved in rumors all offseason after requesting a trade and calling head of basketball operations Daryl Morey “a liar” during an Adidas event in China. He reportedly has been focused on a trade to the Clippers — though he sure wouldn’t be the No. 1 option in that event.

If Harden is really longing to “lead the show,” then he likely needs to put teams such as the Pistons and Rockets at the top of his list. And while a reunion could interest Houston, it’s highly unlikely the Pistons would take a flyer, given their youth movement.

Bulls

Center Nikola Vucevic said this could be the last season for the Bulls’ current core to make some noise.

“We know we can do better, and we have to do better,” he said, via Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. “And we know it’s kind of our last chance as this core of guys to do something.” 

Guard/forward DeMar DeRozan and guard Zach LaVine have been in trade rumors since the end of last season — and while the Bulls appear to be standing pat, those two would bring the most in return should Chicago decide to make a move.