
The Los Angeles Lakers are 19-21 on the season and find themselves with the same record now in 2024 that they had in 2023 after 40 games.
Last year L.A. blamed Russell Westbrook for the team’s failures. The front office then dispatched him at the NBA Trade Deadline and overhauled the roster.
Westbrook isn’t around to shoulder the blame for the Lakers’ struggles this time around, but the second half of what occurred last season may need to happen again.
In recent days Los Angeles has been linked to a big trade with the Portland Trail Blazers, two big-name superstars and a pair of blockbuster swaps. They have also made it no secret what their top priority ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline is.
That said, the one player the Lakers have increasingly been linked to in recent days is Dejounte Murray of the Atlanta Hawks.
If they hope to add him, Rob Pelinka and Co. will have to present the best offer they can possibly present to Atlanta. What does that deal look like?
It would involve the Lakers sending D’Angelo Russell, Max Christie, a 2029 first round pick and two first round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030 to the Hawks.
There is one player that the front office has already signaled is off limits in any potential trade, but aside from that (plus obviously LeBron James and Anthony Davis), everyone else is on the table.
It will be interesting to see if Russell, Christie and trade capital is enough to ultimately secure Murray’s services. Particularly given how that package compares to the Golden State Warriors’ best possible trade offer for Murray’s services.
If it isn’t enough, the Lakers are also being linked to a big trade with the Memphis Grizzlies, a potential deal with the Indiana Pacers and a possible move involving the Detroit Pistons.
Perhaps one of those other deals would be easier to achieve, given that Murray is an All-Star and far likelier to command a higher asking price for his talents.
Jared Goff’s Soon-To-Be Wife Christen Harper’s Workout Photos Go Viral: https://t.co/nCvYO4S4ib
— Game 7 (@game7__) January 14, 2024
One way or another, though – L.A. needs to do something.
The team, as presently constructed, is not good enough.
Will the Lakers be able to pry Murray away from the Hawks ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline? Time will tell.
Related: New Frontrunner Emerges for Pascal Siakam Trade With Raptors

Jennifer Withers Hoey is a former Business Development Manager who transitioned to writing about sports. With valuable connections all over the West Coast, she has used those contacts to break some of the most interesting stories pertaining to the Portland Trail Blazers, Oregon Ducks, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, Seattle Supersonics (RIP), and more.