The Lakers’ Trade Prospects and Darvin Ham’s Job Security: A Q&A
With the NBA trade deadline approaching on February 8, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in an intriguing position. Sitting at 23-23, the team has shown signs of improvement but still faces a daunting Grammys-induced road trip. Rumors of potential trades have swirled around the Lakers, particularly involving Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray. In this Q&A, The Athletic’s Bill Oram delves into the Lakers’ trade options, the value of D’Angelo Russell, and the job security of head coach Darvin Ham.
Are the Lakers Really Trading D’Angelo Russell for Dejounte Murray?
According to Oram, the Lakers have already attempted to trade Russell for Murray and were close to a deal a few weeks ago. Talks have since stalled but are expected to resume before the deadline. Murray is the Lakers’ top priority on the trade market, as he would provide similar offensive production to Russell while being a superior defender, athlete, and penetrator. However, the only realistic way to acquire Murray would involve trading Russell, as the Lakers are hesitant to part with Austin Reaves.
Has D’Angelo Russell’s Recent Play Affected His Trade Value?
Russell’s recent strong performances have made the Lakers’ decision to trade him more difficult. He is currently leading the team in points and is second in assists since re-entering the starting lineup in mid-January. However, two obstacles remain: Russell’s overlapping strengths and weaknesses with Reaves, making it challenging to keep both players long-term, and his contract, which creates a lose-lose proposition for the Lakers. Russell has a player option for next season, and if he exercises it, the Lakers may be stuck with an overpaid player. If he opts out, they risk losing him for nothing.
Odds D’Angelo Russell is a Laker on February 9?
Oram estimates the chances of Russell remaining a Laker at around 40%, higher than his previous estimate a few weeks ago. While the Lakers view trades involving Russell for players like Malcolm Brogdon, Tyus Jones, or Spencer Dinwiddie as lateral moves or downgrades, Murray is an exception. If the Lakers and Hawks resume talks or Murray is traded elsewhere, the odds of Russell staying with the Lakers increase.
Is Austin Reaves Still Untouchable in Trade Talks?
In short, yes. Reaves is not entirely untouchable, but the Lakers would only consider including him in trades for bona fide third stars or multiple high-level starters. Players like Murray, Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and others in a similar range do not meet this criteria. Reaves is outperforming his salary and is under contract for two more seasons at a reasonable price.
Who’s More Likely to Be Traded: Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Taurean Prince, or Cam Reddish?
Oram ranks the likelihood of trades as follows: Russell, Hachimura, Prince, Reddish, and Reaves. Russell is the most likely to be traded, followed by Hachimura, who has a polarizing reputation around the league. Prince and Reddish are less likely to be traded due to their lower salaries, but they could be included in deals for salary-matching purposes.
Are the Lakers Looking at Landing Both Murray and (Bruce) Brown?
Yes, but it will be challenging given their limited trade assets. Murray and Brown are the Lakers’ top two trade targets, as they would add athleticism, defense, and scoring to the backcourt and wing positions. However, acquiring both players may require including Max Christie or Jalen Hood-Schifino in a deal, which the Lakers are reluctant to do.
Why Are the Lakers Prioritizing Guard Targets When Wing Play Seems to Be the More Glaring Weakness?
Oram acknowledges that the Lakers’ need for a better 3-and-D wing is more apparent. However, trading Russell would create a ballhandling and playmaking hole in the rotation, requiring the acquisition of another point guard. The Lakers are considering Kyle Lowry, who could be available if he is bought out by Charlotte.
Why Are We Not Using the Lineups That Got Us to the Western Conference Finals Last Year? Why Isn’t Rui Getting More Minutes, Especially Over Prince?
Oram explains that Vanderbilt is a better fit alongside Reaves and Russell defensively, providing size, length, athleticism, and energy. However, Ham has stated that Prince has been one of the team’s most durable and consistent 3-point shooters, which is valuable when playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers have experimented with the lineup that reached the Western Conference finals last season, but it has only played together for 11 minutes this season.
Do You Think There Is an Under-the-Radar Deal the Lakers Might Make? Maybe Something Nobody Is Really Talking About?
Yes, Oram believes an under-the-radar deal is possible, similar to the Russell Westbrook trade, which surprised many. He mentions Myles Turner, Buddy Hield, Bojan Bogdanović, and Kyrie Irving as players who have been linked to the Lakers in the past but did not materialize.
Who Has More Trade Value to Teams: Max Christie or Jalen Hood-Schifino?
Oram believes Christie has more trade value due to his ability to be a rotation-caliber wing at a young age. Other teams have expressed interest in Christie, but the Lakers are reluctant to part with him. Hood-Schifino has shown promise in the G League but has yet to flash his potential in the NBA.
When Is Darvin Ham Getting Fired?
Oram reports that Ham is likely to remain the Lakers’ head coach for the rest of the season. Despite midseason coaching changes in other teams, Ham has the support of Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka, the two most important decision-makers in the organization. The manner in which the season ends will likely determine if the Lakers consider a coaching change in the offseason.
Conclusion
The Lakers find themselves at a crossroads as the trade deadline approaches. With Murray as their top target, they face the challenge of balancing the need to upgrade the roster while maintaining their existing assets. Ham’s job security depends on the team’s performance in the remaining weeks of the season. As the Grammys-induced road trip looms, the Lakers must make strategic decisions to improve their chances of making a playoff push.