Key Takeaways:
– Following the NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Lakers are set to revamp their lineup for the upcoming season
– Anthony Davis is in healthy form following a strong season, while LeBron James is looking to maintain his continued relevance in the game
– The Lakers are reportedly considering a major trade for Atlanta Hawks’ Dejounte Murray
– Kevin Pelton from ESPN suggests a trade scenario that doesn’t involve giving up Austin Reaves
– A trade deal involving Dejounte Murray could significantly bolster the Lakers’ offense and overall team star power
The Los Angeles Lakers Look to Bounce Back
The National Basketball Association (NBA) draft is over which signals a shift of focus for the Los Angeles Lakers. They now turn their attention to the free agent and trade markets to shape their roster for the next season. The quest is to overhaul its team’s competitiveness especially after a disappointing exit from last season playoffs in just five games by the Denver Nuggets.
Despite LeBron James still showing signs of his exceptional talents, there is concern as he nears his 40th birthday in December. The excellent health and performance of Anthony Davis is encouraging. He recently wrapped up the most injury-free season of his five-year tenure with the Lakers. Under new head coach, JJ Redick, a reshaped lineup is much anticipated, eschewing the one that failed to scale the peak that is the Denver Nuggets.
When Trade Talks Heat Up
There is a prime focus on potential new entries from the trade market with Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks being the star of the buzz. The Lakers are keen on keeping Austin Reaves off these trade deals which can be challenging. However, ESPN’s Kevin Pelton has proposed a plan. It involves Los Angeles having their cake and eating it too – clinching Murray without parting ways with much-loved Reaves.
This proposed offer to the Hawks includes Gabe Vincent, Rui Hachimura along with first-round picks in 2029 and 2031 in trade for Murray. Initially, during the trade deadline the Lakers could only proffer a single first-round selection in either 2029 or 2030, but the tides have turned. The Lakers are now in the position to offer the No. 17 pick once it happens, in addition to picks from 2029 and 2031.
What Dejounte Murray Brings to the Table
Dejounte Murray, while not an outstanding defender last season in Atlanta, registered an impressive scoring record. He averaged 22.5 points per match playing alongside Trae Young. He also racked up 6.4 assists, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game. His 3-point shooting accuracy stood at a respectable 36.3% on his 7.1 attempts per game.
The Lakers are in need of such 3-and-D players to bolster their lineup alongside James and Davis. Murray’s scoring prowess and his ability to launch the deep balls are seen as a promising addition to the team, given his proven All-Star skills. He made an All-Star appearance during the 2021-22 season, which was his last with the San Antonio Spurs before moving to Atlanta.
However, Murray’s defense requires work. His defensive rating of 119.4 was below the league average of 116.1 last season. If 28-year-old Murray could step up his defense and maintain his high shooting accuracy and volume, he could significantly boost the Lakers’ lineup.
Murray is contracted under a four-year deal worth $114 million through 2026-27, with an optional extension for an additional year. Considering his talent and current NBA salary standards, this deal seems a quality proposition for the Lakers.
With the NBA draft behind them, the Los Angeles Lakers can now focus on shaping their off-season moves and finalizing their lineup for the next season. This will involve hard decisions and big moves such as the potential trade for Dejounte Murray that could set them up for a competitive season.