In order to help Los Angeles reach the Western Conference finals the previous season, the Lakers reorganized their roster by signing D’Angelo Russell, Jared Vanderbilt, Malik Beasley, Mo Bamba, and Rui Hachimura prior to the trade deadline.
Although the Lakers aren’t expected to make many significant trades this season, they are still interested in players who could be important additions to their backcourt.
The Lakers reportedly made a bid for Atlanta Hawks point guard Dejounte Murray on Tuesday, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints. D’Angelo Russell, a veteran point guard who starts at first, rookie Jalen Hood-Schifino, and draft compensation are all included in the deal.
According to Siegel, Jovan Buha of The Athletic initially revealed that the trade package was turned down “out of the blue” because Atlanta refused to give up Russell.
Murray would beat Russell on both ends of the floor right away. The 27-year-old Murray may be the extra ball handler and floor general the Lakers need because he can play off the ball. It will be interesting to watch if the Lakers look elsewhere for a better backcourt or if the Hawks reduce Murray’s contract.
Although they had a face-to-face meeting on Tuesday night, Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell and Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray are the two players who have been mentioned in trade rumors.
