Serbia’s Bogdan Bogdanovic was almost successful in leading an upset win against Team USA in their semifinal game at the 2024 Paris Olympics. After the Serbians’ strong showing, Nick Young suggested that the Los Angeles Lakers acquire him via trade.
Following the exciting semifinals, the one-time NBA champion and former Laker nicknamed “Swaggy P” took to X to convince his former team to acquire the Serbian three-point triggerman.
“Lakers, go get Bogdanovic ASAP,” Young said in his post.
Bogdanovic finished the Olympic semifinal in a losing effort, scoring a team-high 20 points in 44.4% shooting, including three three-pointers, four rebounds, and three assists. Serbia had the lead for almost the entirety of the game, gaining a 17-point advantage in the first half until the Americans whittled it down with a red-hot resurgence in the late game.
Team USA survived Serbia, 95-91, and despite losing, Bogdanovic’s remarkable performance caught people’s attention, including Young’s.
Los Angeles Lakers could benefit from Bogdan Bogdanovic boost
The Los Angeles Lakers fans have consistently called for their team to build a solid offensive formation with LeBron James and Anthony Davis at the center. Despite being heavily mentioned in trade rumors and being one of the top teams of choice for free agents, however, the team has yet to acquire any notable players this offseason.
The Lakers are coming off a season in which they ranked 24th overall in three-pointers, averaging 11.8 per game. Their newly hired coach, JJ Redick, has considered implementing a free-flowing offense focused on more movement and three-point shooting, and Bogdanovic might fit the rookie coach’s strategy.
The Serbian marksman could give the Lakers a much-needed scoring boost, whether or not he becomes a starter or a sixth man. However, Los Angeles would have to match the Serbian’s $13.7 million salary for next season should they wish to acquire him—though it still depends on whether Atlanta would be willing to let go of him in a trade.
Entering his eighth season in the NBA, Bogdanovic signed a four-year, $68 million contract extension with the Atlanta Hawks last year. The deal will keep him under contract until at least the end of the 2025–26 season, with the Hawks holding a team option for 2026–27.
Bogdanovic averaged 16.9 points, including 3.0 three-pointers, over 79 games last season. He shot 42.8% overall, including 37.4% beyond the arc. He also averaged 3.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.2 steals.
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