The NBA’s trade deadline is slowly approaching, and it is pretty well known that the Los Angeles Lakers are hungry to make a deal in order to fortify their roster.
Although they have won their last two games and four of their last six, they have a 21-21 record and are in 10th place in the Western Conference. They need a lot more 3-point shooting, as well as more speed and quickness in their transition game.
Los Angeles has been linked lately to Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray, and the two teams have reportedly had some talks about a potential deal. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype gave some details on those talks, including a possible sticking point for L.A.: its reluctance to give up Austin Reaves.
Via HoopsHype:
“Atlanta is looking for at least two first-round picks, according to The Ringer. The Hawks are not looking to take back salary past this season, league sources told HoopsHype.
“With that in mind, the Lakers have been arguably the team most linked to Murray due to his representation at Klutch Sports, the agency for various Lakers on the current team.
“Any framework for a Murray trade to the Lakers would likely involve guard D’Angelo Russell, league sources told HoopsHype. However, that would be contingent on Russell being flipped to a third team from Atlanta in the process. Russell’s $18.69 million player option for next season and his playing style next to Trae Young isn’t viewed as a fit for the Hawks.
“As ESPN reported, Los Angeles’ 2029 first-round pick would almost assuredly have to be included.
“How else could Los Angeles get to Atlanta’s asking price of two first-round picks? Perhaps rookie first-round pick Jalen Hood-Schifino could be included in trade talks if they advance further, but it’s worth noting Atlanta chose Kobe Bufkin over him in the draft months ago.
“The Hawks coveted Lakers guard Austin Reaves in trade talks surrounding Murray but were denied by Los Angeles, league sources said.”
On Wednesday, the Lakers blew out the Dallas Mavericks 127-110, and Russell went on a heater by scoring 29 points and going 5-of-7 from 3-point range. Reaves had a solid game himself with 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting and seven assists.
Murray is averaging 21.0 points and 4.8 assists a game while shooting 47.1% from the field and 38.3% from 3-point range this season. His scoring average, overall shooting percentage and 3-point accuracy are career highs.
