Lakers could be on the verge of a major upgrade in the backcourt.
In a report by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks have been in contact recently over a potential trade for two-way guard Dejounte Murray. This latest update reveals a steady progression of negotiations for Murray, who has been in the rumor mill for weeks amid Atlanta’s ongoing struggles.
“Atlanta’s ready to trade Dejounte Murray. They have given some time to the Trae Young and Dejounte Murray backcourt but they’re ready to move on from it,” said Woj. “Dejounte Murray is the player that they’re engaged around the league with. They have talked to the Lakers, exchanged some ideas on a potential trade…”
As the losses begin to pile up for the Los Angeles Lakers, the possibility of a trade before February’s deadline grows increasingly more likely and Murray is arguably their most realistic target at this point. But questions remain about what the Lakers are willing to give up for Murray, and if he alone will be enough to elevate the Lakers this season.
Everyone Is On The Table For The Lakers
After a run to the Conference Finals last year, there was widespread belief that the Lakers would be competing for a title this season. So far, that just hasn’t been the case as the Lakers are sitting with a 19-20 through the first half of play. Besides some questions in the coaching department, the biggest concern for the Lakers is their depth. In what has been a recurring theme for the modern-day Lakers, the supporting cast is not good enough to sustain winning basketball and it’s putting extra weight on the shoulders of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
This season, it seems everyone besides James, Davis, and Austin Reaves is available in trade talks and it’s the biggest sign yet that we could see a very different Lakers team by the trade deadline. One way or another, the Lakers will be aggressive in their search for talent and Dejounte Murray is arguably the best way for them to mix things up without taking a major step back.
Dejounte Murray Is A Game-Changer
Dejounte Murray was drafted 29th in 2016 and he was looking like a potential star with the Spurs. Since coming to Atlanta, however, Murray has failed to live up to expectations even after signing a four-year, $120 million extension. So, while it’s true that Murray’s run in Atlanta has been massively disappointing, he could be one of those players who thrive with a change of scenery. Perhaps in a new environment, with new teammates and a different coaching staff, Murray can have the breakout season we’ve been waiting for.
Even if not, Murray can still provide some valuable minutes for the Lakers and he gives them everything they want in a scorer, ball handler, and defender in the backcourt. This season, through 36 games, Murray is averaging 21.1 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game on 46.6% shooting. For now, it remains to be seen where he’ll end up in a few weeks but the Lakers will be fighting for him in the end and they have the assets to make a pretty solid bid.
