In order to help the 19–20 Lakers land a you 18 op SSG star player before the trade deadline, we have prepared a number of trade scenarios. Buha brought up a number of names that have been publicly associated with the Lakers, and trade proposals have the potential to make those deals happen.
The Lakers are attempting to protect Austin Reaves in a trade for Zach LaVine by focusing on D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and more salary. But the most likely package sends Reaves to Chicago, with the Lakers trying to acquire Alex Caruso in exchange. After recently returning from injury, LaVine is averaging 20.3 points on 44.6% from the field and 34.0% from three this season.
“It just gets really complicated, especially since Bobby Marks reminded me that the Lakers are already over the tax and getting close to the hard cap. These trades are more difficult to put together the more players you add, but with a player like Dejounte Murray, I believe the Hawks will legitimately argue that they need Austin Reaves and the Lakers will argue that that doesn’t seem like a great fit for them. It’s a really difficult place.
According to Wojnarowski, the Hawks would like to get back nearly what they forfeited for Murray two summers ago: three first-round picks and one pick swap. However, in any in-season trade, the Lakers are only allowed to offer one draft capital (2029 or 2030 first round pick).
The key to a possible Murray trade is Reaves, the player the Hawks are vying for on the Lakers roster.
To what extent will the Lakers go to bolster their star duo of Anthony Davis and LeBron James
The Reasons Behind Lakers’ Reluctance to Play Austin Reaves
The Lakers are hesitant to let go of Reaves, a young player they drafted and a homegrown talent.
According to Lowe, the Lakers’ trade of Murray for Reaves is merely a “lateral move.” Dave McMenamin, Lowe’s ESPN colleague, clarified that the Lakers should only think about trading Reaves for a “can’t miss” player.