The Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks have had “little to no trade conversations” regarding former All-Star guard Dejounte Murray in recent days, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
It has been rumored that the Lakers could be the destination for Murray if Atlanta decides to move him before this season's trade deadline.
“According to league sources, there has been little trade dialogue between the Hawks and Lakers regarding former All-Star Dejounte Murray in recent days,” Stein wrote.
“Trade negotiations tend to be fluid at this time of year and can easily become heated, but as of Sunday, a person briefed on the negotiations said Murray was transferred to the Lakers before the deadline. He said the idea of doing so was “unrealistic.”
“One of the factors is D'Angelo Russell's strong play this month.”
Russell has been playing so well lately that the Lakers may not need to acquire a guard.
Over his last eight games (since returning to the starting lineup), Russell is averaging 27.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game while shooting 52.3 percent from the field and 54.2 percent from beyond the arc. ing.
The Lakers are 5-3 through 8 games.
Murray may be a better defender than Russell (he was named to the All-Defensive Team in 2017-18), but Russell has played well enough for the Lakers to consider keeping their core together at the deadline. .
This season, Murray is averaging 21.4 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game while shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 38.8 percent from 3-point range. He currently plays alongside a ball-dominant player in Trae Young, which could help him adjust to playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis if he is traded to Los Angeles. There is sex.
Los Angeles acquired several players, including Russell, before the trade deadline, and performed well in the 2022-23 regular season. The team ultimately advanced to the Western Conference Finals in the playoffs.
Adding Murray could upgrade the Lakers, but it's also a move that risks the Hawks guard not meshing with the current roster. With Russell playing well, there is a risk that the Lakers' current chemistry could be ruined if they sign him.
The Lakers are currently the 9th seed in the Western Conference with consecutive wins. The team is one game over .500 with 24 wins and 23 losses.
It will be interesting to see how the Lakers approach the deadline, especially since it looks like the team is starting to turn things around this season.
