Insider pinpoints key 'hurdle' to Lakers acquiring Dejounte Murray

As the Los Angeles Lakers continue to be linked in a broad range of various trade rumors ahead of the Feb. 8 deadline, one name that continues to find its way back to the forefront is that of Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray. While there are obvious obstacles that surely linger around a potential deal – along with numerous potential suitors – The Athletic's Lakers insider Jovan Buha cited one key issue which still looms while speaking on the "Hoops Hype Podcast" with Michael Scotto.

From my understanding, Dejounte Murray is their priority right now. To me, he’d be the most likely trade outcome right now if I was handicapping the odds. I think they’re the favorites to land him. Again, the big hurdle right now is finding that third team.

The reason Buha mentions the third team is that he previously stated that the Hawks do not want D'Angelo Russell in a potential deal, meaning the team is seeking a third team for Russell that'll likely also seek a second-round pick or a pick swap.

There's still plenty to sort out on any potential deal for Murray it seems, but the optimism that a deal could get done is a good sign for the Lakers. With that said, there's certainly a realistic chance that an opposing team opts to sweeten the deal as the deadline gets closer and if that's the case it could leave the Lakers on the outside looking in at a trade involving Murray.