Four fits for the Lakers at NBA trade deadline
The Los Angeles Lakers have played their final game before Thursday’s 3 p.m. ET trade deadline, but general manager Rob Pelinka should be busy over the next few days handling calls about potential deals.
Since an underwhelming start to the season, the Lakers (27-25) — who are ninth in the Western Conference — have found their groove as they try to escape the play-in tournament. To make that happen, Los Angeles must finish sixth.
To get there, the focus shifts to the trade deadline and potential improvements.
With L.A.’s best perimeter defender, Jarred Vanderbilt, expected to miss the next three to four weeks after suffering a sprained right foot, a massive void exists on the roster.
To fill that, here are four candidates who would be ideal to join LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
1. Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks
Dejounte Murray, a 6-foot-5 guard, would be the most enticing piece to add. The Hawks probably would command a package of either D’Angelo Russell or Austin Reaves and two first-rounders to even consider this trade, but it would be a price worth paying for Los Angeles — especially if it’s 27-year-old Russell and not Reaves, who's 25.
Reaves is younger and has more potential, but Russell’s trade value has skyrocketed with his recent strong play, making him the perfect trade piece.
Per The Athletic, the Lakers have discussed a deal with the Hawks for Murray, a two-way guard.
Murray (21.4 PPG, 5.2 APG) would make an immediate impact with his defense, scoring and playmaking abilities. The 27-year-old could be the missing piece to a championship run and should be the Lakers’ top target.
2. Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls
Per ESPN.com's Dave McMenamin, the Lakers have considered adding Andre Drummond (7.7, PPG, 8.3 RPG), whose return would be his second stint with the team. The 15-year veteran is a cheap and reliable option to have behind Davis, but not a move that will swing the needle much. However, for the right price, Drummond is a player worth making a call for.
3. Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors
Per McMenamin, the Lakers also have interest in Bruce Brown (11.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG), who might be relocating for a second time since winning a title with Denver in June. The Lakers missed out on the Brown sweepstakes over free agency but can make up for it at the deadline with the cost of a first-round pick and talent. Though Brown’s numbers may not be anything special, his value goes beyond the stat sheet, as he would provide championship DNA and make winning plays.
4. Tyus Jones, Washington Wizards
Lastly, Tyus Jones, an extremely efficient guard who prides himself on playmaking, would add to a loaded Lakers backcourt. However, Jones (12.2 PPG, 6.3 APG) would be a one-year rental who would demand serious money in the offseason given his career year. Because the Lakers probably would also have to sacrifice their limited draft capital for Jones, he wouldn’t be a player the team should urgently seek.
Should the Lakers make moves, a new face or faces could make a debut as early as Thursday at home against the reigning champion Nuggets.
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