SKY NEWS: The Lakers officially acquire Murray in this agreement, having been interested in a trade for the star player since the Hawks.

The Los Angeles Lakers must alter their current situation quickly to avoid losing the playoff race. No matter the conference, the team is unable to compete at a high level with any of the best teams in the NBA because of its dismal 20–21 record, 19th-ranked offense, and 16th-ranked defense.

Despite Anthony Davis playing like an All-Star (25.1 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 2.5 BPG) and LeBron James posting impressive numbers (24.7 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 7.5 APG), the Lakers are not where they should be and can make two trades at this time. In fact, they can improve their defense and offense simultaneously by focusing on the improved backcourt, making it a realistic goal to challenge for the championship.

The Lakers acquire Murray in this deal after being interested in a trade for the star player since the Hawks, who need to rebuild as quickly as possible, are said to have placed him on the trade block. It won’t be enough to add one new guard because the Lakers may add another player who gets points off of shots that are taken beyond the arc.