Lakers Listed As Favorites To Sign $114 Million Star In Blockbuster Trade

The Los Angeles Lakers could use some extra help at this point of the regular season and the franchise has already been advised to sign an Atlanta Hawks star.

Hawks guard Dejounte Murray makes perfect sense for the Lakers. General Manager Rob Pelinka is expected to make a move at the trade deadline in February. The Lakers are favorites with -115 odds, followed by the New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Miami Heat.

Shams Charania from The Athletic discussed Lakers’ chances to acquire Murray.

“One more player to keep an eye on. I’m told a potential target for the Lakers [is] Hawks guard Dejounte Murray,” Charania noted in a December 26, 2023 episode of FanDuel’s “Run It Back.” “[Zach] LaVine is in the second year of a $215 million deal.

“Dejounte Murray still has four years, $120 million of an extension that kicks in next season. So, that’s a little bit better when you think about a reasonable salary to be bringing in when you already have LeBron James and Anthony Davis on your books.”

Dejounte Murray is a potential trade target for the Los Angeles Lakers, per @ShamsCharania.

🎥 @RunItBackFDTV pic.twitter.com/BcimWKMcnP

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 26, 2023

The Lakers could get a good deal if they decide to sign the Hawks star

Murray is in his second year with the Hawks. His current franchise hoped to see him join forces with Trae Young, but it didn’t happen. Murray averages 20.2 points, 5.3 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game while going 37.4% from long range in 30 games so far in the season.

If the Hawks agree to a trade with the Lakers, they will definitely try to get Austin Reaves.

DEJOUNTE MURRAY CANT BE STOPPED 😤pic.twitter.com/exVsRyGQgK

— Kevin Keneely (@KevinKeneely1) December 23, 2023

“The Hawks’ direction of course, it’s in flux,” Charania adds. “They gave up multiple first-round picks [and] a swap to go get Dejounte Murray a couple summers ago from the Spurs. So, when you look at the Lakers’ asset pool, they have one first-round pick they can trade now. Or they could wait until draft time and they’ll have three first-round picks to trade.

“So, any deal that the Lakers want to pursue for a star player is gonna almost likely have to include the names of guys like Austin Reaves, Max Christie,” Charania added. “That’s who teams will want. The Lakers obviously have shown no inclination of moving Austin Reaves. Don’t want to move Austin Reaves. But those are the types of players that teams will ask for.”