SUMMARY
- The Lakers were favorites to land Dejounte Murray during the trade deadline, but the acquisition never happened.
- Murray could've provided the consistency and defense then needed during the playoffs.
Coming into the 2023-24 season, the Los Angeles Lakers had set up too many expectations they couldn’t meet. Regardless, they still managed to make the most of what they had during the In-Season Tournament to win the title. But it all came crashing down soon after the In-Season Tournament Finals. The Lakers could barely get wins and they started slipping further down the Western Conference standings.
Last season, the Lakers made a ton of crucial changes to the roster bringing in Rui Hachimura and D’Angelo Russell at the trade deadline. Considering they had a million issues to work out before the post-season, Rob Pelinka should’ve tried to upgrade the starting lineup this year too. Instead, they dove into the player buyout market and acquire Spencer Dinwiddie. While he did bring a positive impact defensively in their second unit, the Lakers still need some rewiring.
Dejounte Murray could given the Lakers more exterior defense and consistency
Multiple rumors regarding the Lakers potentially acquiring Dejounte Murray ahead of the trade deadline surfaced. In fact, there was some mutual interest between both parties. However, the trade never happened, no apparent offers were made and the Atlanta Hawks kept Murray. Unfortunately, it would’ve been a great opportunity for the Hawks to test out new lineups and for Murray to help a winning team with his consistency.
Towards the end of the season, Trae Young was sidelined due to a torn ligament in his finger that needed surgery. Murray stepped up to the plate and helped the Hawks achieve a decent 12-11 to secure the final play-in tournament berth. Without Young, Murray has averaged 25.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game.
While that’s beside the point, the All-Star guard consistently scored over 20 points per game and he would’ve been perfect besides LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the playoffs. The duo happened to be only two consistent players on the floor while D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves struggled. Russell also went scoreless during one of the games in the Lakers vs Nuggets series. He averaged under 15 points per game in five appearances.
It might be time for the Lakers to move on from their existing emerging talent
The Lakers’ bench unit can remain untouched during the off-season. It consists of a set of great role players who are young and ready to improve. Unfortunately, players who would’ve had an impact from the bench like Christian Wood and Jared Vanderbilt suffered from injuries. But the Lakers need more consistency in its starting lineup as they cannot dump all the weight on LeBron as he pushes 40 this year.
Alongside Trae Young, the Lakers are also looking at Dejounte Murray.👇
(@DanWoikeSports)“[The Lakers] discussed the flexibility to potentially trade three first-round picks this offseason in an effort to add a player who would provide a bigger impact. Atlanta guards Dejounte… pic.twitter.com/rUOtb3icEn
— 🎗NBA•Fan🎗 (@Klutch_23) April 30, 2024
The Lakers could do what they should’ve done ahead of the 2024 trade deadline, trade Russell and Reaves to acquire a third star or a solid role player with potential on exterior defense. Russell is also entering free agency, so rather than re-signing him, they would create space and sign someone like Buddy Hield. The Philadelphia 76ers guard can be a lethal scorer from deep, but he hasn’t been given enough minutes with the Sixers.