Lakers reportedly interested in acquiring defensive-minded guard
Atlanta Hawks' Dejounte Murray reportedly could emerge as a trade target for the Los Angeles Lakers.
The 6-foot-5 guard is in his second season with Atlanta but has recently found his name circulating in trade rumors. According to Shams Charania, who was speaking on a recent episode of FanDuel TV's "Run it Back," Murray's impending four-year contract extension makes him a desirable target to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
"One more player to keep an eye on, I'm told, as a potential target for the Lakers is Hawks guard Dejounte Murray," Charania said. "(Zach) LaVine is in the second year of a $215 million deal. Murray still has four years and $120 million of an extension that kicks in next season. So that's a little bit better when you think about a reasonable salary to be bringing in when you already have LeBron James and Anthony Daivs on your books."
The Lakers recently decided to move D'Angelo Russell to the bench as they search for defensive balance within their starting five. Murray's reputation as a genuine point-of-attack defender who can switch onto multiple positions could make him an enticing prospect for Los Angeles general manager Rob Pelinka in the coming months. The Hawks originally acquired Murray to help improve their backcourt defense by slotting in next to Trae Young.
Murray would provide the length, ball-handling, tertiary scoring, and perimeter defense that the Lakers are looking for. However, his arrival would almost certainly spell the end of Russell's second tenure with the Purple and Gold.
Pelinka has been relentless in his search for the right pieces to put around LeBron and Davis. He made multiple moves at last year's trade deadline, which helped the Lakers surge to the Western Conference Finals, where they ultimately lost to the Denver Nuggets. If Murray is available via trade, and the Lakers don't see his asking price as being too high, they could likely begin negotiations in the new year.
After all, the goal is to win a championship and convince LeBron to continue his career in Los Angeles. If Murray can help achieve that goal, every avenue is worth exploring.
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