Following the Lakers’ Christmas Day loss to the Celtics, LeBron James told reporters: “I don’t think we’re where we wanna be to be able to compete against the top teams.”
The comment comes amid plenty of trade speculation for LA, headlined primarily by Bulls star Zach LaVine. With the purple and gold standing at 16-15 (9th in the West), it has raised another conversation over whether or not they need a third star—or another trade in general.
New reporting from Shams Charania indicates that LaVine isn’t the only big-name guard on the Lakers’ wish list.
"One more player to keep an eye on I'm told, a potential target for the Lakers, Hawks guard Dejounte Murray."@ShamsCharania on potential trade targets for the Lakers.
📺: https://t.co/wdT8I0ST8g pic.twitter.com/xtY6gCF2FO
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) December 26, 2023
NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Could Target Hawks Guard Dejounte Murray
Background
27-year-old Dejounte Murray has risen to prominence over the last few seasons. He was named an All-Star with the Spurs in 2022, and was viewed as the perfect backcourt partner for Trae Young when Murray was moved to Atlanta that summer. He made key contributions in his first year with the Hawks, averaging 20.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.5 steals.
However, the first year of the Young-Murray duo also came with a first-round exit. The Hawks fell to the Boston Celtics in six games. While Young averaged a blistering 29 points and ten assists, Murray boasted 23 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.8 assists and two steals per game.
This year, the Hawks are currently out of the playoff picture (12-17, 11th in the East), but it hasn’t stopped Murray from producing star numbers. After 29 games (all starts), Murray is averaging 20.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.6 steals. He’s shooting 46% from the field, 38% from three and 83% from the free-throw line. The Hawks have not made Murray available in trade talks at this time, especially considering the haul it took to get him. But given their recent struggles, it makes sense for GM Landry Fields to explore other options toward improvement—even if that means splitting up the star duo.
How Dejounte Murray Helps the Lakers
The Lakers rank 28th in threes made per game (10.9) and 22nd in three-point percentage (35.6%). However, they’re also 11th in defensive rating (113)—they stood at sixth before Christmas—and 15th in steals per game (7.5). Murray is a proven 3-and-D guard who would help the Lakers tremendously in both areas. He’s made 68 threes this season (25th in the league) and has racked up 45 steals—good for 4th in the league. Murray would also excel in transition, as the Hawks are the fifth in pace rating (102.2) while the Lakers are ninth (100.8).
Another appeal towards trading for Murray is his contract. Murray’s current salary ($18.3 million) is easier to match than Zach LaVine’s ($40 million). He also has a four-year, $120 million extension that will kick in after this season.
Murray’s skill set and contract make him an ideal target for the Lakers, who will need more reinforcements now that Gabe Vincent will undergo knee surgery.
As far as the Lakers’ offer, it would have to be a package around D’Angelo Russell, whose inconsistent play led to a switch in the starting five. Murray would be a clear upgrade over Russell, who—by his own admission—isn’t a defensive player:
D'Angelo Russell on his defense: "That's where I try to be better, but that's not what I do."
— Lakers Daily (@LakersDailyCom) December 22, 2023
The Lakers’ best bet towards landing Murray is throwing in Russell, a young player and some draft capital. However, it’s unlikely that such a package will be enough to compete with teams who have better assets.
The Last Word
The Lakers’ interest in Dejounte Murray isn’t entirely surprising, as he fits the profile for any of LA’s trade targets: a young player who can slide in as a third or fourth option and alleviate their shooting and defensive concerns. Their exact level of interest—and the Hawks’ willingness to trade Murray—could change between now and February. But for now, the fact the Lakers are eyeing someone other than LaVine is encouraging enough.
