Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray (5). Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Lakers' top trade target reportedly emerges

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 1/31/24

The NBA trade deadline is approaching, and a top trade target for the Los Angeles Lakers is reportedly emerging.

The Lakers have dropped to 24-25 on the season and are looking for help. NBA insider Shams Charania was a guest on FanDuel TV’s “Run It Back” on Wednesday and was asked about potential Lakers trade targets.

He mentioned Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray as the team’s top target. Charania also mentioned three players from the Brooklyn Nets: Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie and Royce O’Neale.

“Dejounte Murray is going to continue to emerge as the top target for the Lakers, from what I’m told…Another scenario to keep an eye on, players that the Lakers do have interest in I’m told, is three guys from the Nets: Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, Royce O’Neale.”

"Dejounte Murray is going to continue to emerge as the top target for the Lakers, from what I'm told…Another scenario to keep an eye on, players that the Lakers do have interest in I'm told, is three guys from the Nets: Dorian Finney-Smith, Spencer Dinwiddie, Royce O'Neale."… pic.twitter.com/fSlRUxzzpq

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) January 31, 2024

The Hawks acquired Murray in a big June 2022 trade with the Spurs. The Hawks went .500 last season and reached the playoffs, where they lost in six games to the Boston Celtics in the first round.

This season, they enter play on Wednesday at 20-27. The backcourt of Murray and Trae Young is not working out the way the Hawks had hoped, which is why there have been rumors about Murray being traded. The 27-year-old guard is averaging 21.5 points per game this season.

A previous report has speculated the Lakers might deal D’Angelo Russell, a 2029 first-round pick and perhaps another player and pick in a potential trade for Murray. It’s unclear what they might trade in a deal for any of the Nets players.

The trade deadline is Thursday, Feb. 8.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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