SUMMARY
- The Los Angeles Lakers are actively exploring trade options in an effort to improve their roster and enhance their championship chances.
- The Lakers have shown interest in Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks, who has been performing impressively and has a more favorable contract of $18.2 million this season.
The Los Angeles Lakers are actively exploring trade options as the NBA trade deadline approaches, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. A primary focus for the Lakers is to improve their roster and increase their championship chances.
As per the report, the Lakers are not considering Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls as an option. Concerns about LaVine’s injury history and the mismatch between his contract value and on-court production have led the Lakers to rule him out as a potential acquisition. LaVine’s contract, which includes nearly $90 million guaranteed over the next two years, along with a $49 million player option for the 2026-27 season, is considered a huge risk for Los Angeles.
The Lakers, per @mcten.👇 #LakeShow
The Lakers are…
⁃not considering Zach LaVine because of his injury history and his contract not equating his production level.
⁃Interested in Dejounte Murray. The Lakers are fine with trading their “depth” because as roles get defined and… pic.twitter.com/cpFXOsGGCp— 🎗NBA•Fan🎗 (@Klutch_23) January 23, 2024
Also, the Lakers have shown interest in Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks. Murray has been performing impressively with career highs in various categories. His current contract of $18.2 million this season seems to be more favorable for the Lakers. They could save luxury tax money by acquiring him in a two-for-one trade.
The Lakers are also considering several other players to strengthen their lineup. Players like Collin Sexton of the Utah Jazz, Tyus Jones of the Washington Wizards, Dennis Schroder and Bruce Brown of the Toronto Raptors, and Andre Drummond of the Chicago Bulls are on their radar. The team is looking to address its needs in backup point guard, speed, consistent paint penetration, and second-unit organization.
Lakers have discussed trades for Donovan Mitchell and Trae Young
According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, the Lakers are exploring the possibility of acquiring a star player. Internal discussions have revolved around trading three first-round draft picks as well as players for an All-Star-level talent. Names like Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell and Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young have come up in these talks.
However, any such move would likely have to wait until June’s NBA draft, as that’s when they’ll have three first-rounders available for trade. Despite the rumors, there’s no sign that the Cavs or Hawks are willing to trade their stars.
Mitchell is having a great season with averages of 27.8 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.4 rebounds per game and is under contract through the 2024-25 season. Whereas, Young is averaging 26.9 points and 10.8 assists per game and is signed through at least the 2025-26 season.
Acquiring either Mitchell or Young would be a huge addition to the Lakers, potentially forming a strong trio with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, such a move would require the Lakers to sacrifice depth, a risk they might be willing to take in the hopes of winning a championship.