Los Angeles Lakers Trade Rumors: Dejounte Murray, D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Darvin Ham’s Future
With the NBA trade deadline rapidly approaching on February 9, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a crossroads, mired in a season of underperformance and inconsistency. Trade rumors have swirled around the team like a relentless storm, fueled by a desire to shake things up and salvage what remains of their championship aspirations. In this comprehensive analysis, we delve into the latest trade rumors surrounding the Lakers, examining potential deals for Dejounte Murray, D’Angelo Russell’s trade value, Austin Reaves’ untouchable status, and the job security of head coach Darvin Ham.
1. Dejounte Murray Trade Talks: A Top Priority
The Lakers have made it no secret that their top trade target is Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray. Murray, known for his exceptional defensive prowess, athleticism, and ability to penetrate the paint, is seen as a significant upgrade over Russell. Talks between the two teams were reportedly close to a potential deal two weeks ago but have since stalled. The only feasible way to acquire Murray would involve sending out Russell (or technically Reaves, but the Lakers are reluctant to part with him).
2. D’Angelo Russell’s Trade Value: A Complicated Situation
Russell’s recent impressive performances have made the Lakers’ decision to trade him more difficult. Since re-entering the starting lineup on January 13, he has been leading the team in points and is second in assists. However, two obstacles complicate retaining Russell beyond the deadline: overlapping strengths and weaknesses with Reaves and his current contract situation. Russell’s $18.7 million player option for next season creates a dilemma, as he could regress and exercise the option or improve and opt out, forcing the Lakers to pay more or risk losing him for nothing.
3. Austin Reaves’ Untouchable Status: A Valuable Asset
Austin Reaves remains largely untouchable in trade talks due to his exceptional play and his affordable contract. Outperforming his $12 million salary, Reaves has proven to be one of the best role-player contracts in the league, earning him a two-season contract extension worth a total of $27 million. The Lakers would only consider moving Reaves if they could acquire a bona fide third star to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Players like DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine do not meet this criteria.
4. Potential Trade Targets: Beyond Murray
In order of likelihood, the Lakers are most likely to trade Russell, followed by Rui Hachimura, Taurean Prince, Cam Reddish, and Austin Reaves. Hachimura’s mid-sized salary and inconsistent performances make him a polarizing player across the league. Prince and Reddish are not making enough money to be centerpieces of a deal, but they could be included for salary-matching purposes.
5. Murray and Brown Trade Pursuit: A Challenging Endeavor
The Lakers are aiming to acquire both Murray and Bruce Brown, but it may be challenging due to limited trade assets and draft capital. Murray and Brown are the Lakers’ top two trade targets, as they would provide a more athletic and defensive-minded scoring guard and a wing upgrade over the current options. Looping in one of the Brooklyn wings (Dorian Finney-Smith or Royce O’Neale) is considered a more realistic option.
6. Prioritizing Guard Targets: A Puzzling Approach
The Lakers’ focus on guard targets despite the glaring weakness in wing play is puzzling. Trading Russell would create a ballhandling and playmaking hole in the rotation, requiring another point guard in the lineup. Kyle Lowry is a potential option if he becomes available after being traded to Charlotte. However, upgrading the wing position remains crucial for the Lakers to compete against elite teams in a seven-game series.
7. Underused Lineup and Rui Hachimura’s Minutes: A Coaching Conundrum
The Lakers have not consistently played the lineup that reached the Western Conference Finals last season, despite its success. Vanderbilt’s defensive and rebounding abilities make him a better fit alongside Russell and Reaves than Prince. Ham attributes the lack of playing time for the previous season’s starting lineup to Prince’s durability and 3-point shooting, as well as Vanderbilt’s injury and gradual return to form.
8. Potential Under-the-Radar Deals: Past Precedents
The Lakers may pursue under-the-radar deals that have not been widely discussed. Past examples include the Russell Westbrook trade and the Myles Turner, Buddy Hield, and Bojan Bogdanović pursuits. It remains to be seen how much of the current trade chatter will materialize in the next 13 days before the deadline.
9. Trade Value of Max Christie and Jalen Hood-Schifino: Promising Youngsters
Christie is considered more valuable due to his rotation-caliber wing potential at a young age. Other teams have expressed interest in acquiring Christie, but the Lakers are reluctant to part with him. Hood-Schifino has shown promise in the G League but has yet to translate it to NBA play. His skill set could be beneficial as a backup point guard, but his development is still ongoing.
10. Darvin Ham’s Job Security: A Vote of Confidence
Ham is expected to remain the Lakers’ coach for the rest of the season, despite midseason coach firings in other teams. The Lakers believe in Ham’s growth potential and his success in his first season and a half. The team’s performance at the end of the season will determine whether a coaching change is necessary. Ham has the support of Jeanie Buss and Rob Pelinka, the key decision-makers in the organization.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Lakers find themselves at a crossroads, with numerous possibilities and uncertainties ahead. Whether they can pull off a blockbuster trade that transforms their roster or make smaller moves to improve their depth, the next few days will be crucial in determining their fate for the rest of the season. Only time will tell if the Lakers can emerge from this period of turmoil as a stronger and more cohesive unit.