After an embarrassing loss to the Phoenix Suns, the Los Angeles Lakers are in desperate need of an injection of talent.
Up to this point in the 2023-24 NBA season, the Lakers have fallen way short of their contender status and aren’t even a lock to make the playoffs.
Despite strong seasons from LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Los Angeles feels like it’s only a few more losses away from really falling apart at the seams.
To no one’s surprise, the Lakers have been one of the most active teams in the trade market and are currently linked to almost every available player.
Atlanta Hawks star Dejounte Murray is a popular target for teams and he’s reportedly a target for Los Angeles.
The Lakers have a path toward Murray if they include Austin Reave in a potential deal, but the team might not feel like it’s worth it via Dan Woike of L.A. Times.
“The Lakers, though, have shown no interest in trading Reaves despite some defensive regression this season, and even if they did flip him for Murray, there’s real skepticism that it would ‘move the needle’” Woike reported.
The Lakers are reportedly unsure if trading Austin Reaves for Dejounte Murray would move the needle, per @DanWoikeSports
“The Lakers, though, have shown no interest in trading Reaves despite some defensive regression this season, and even if they did flip him for Murray,… pic.twitter.com/32SacHkVlq
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 13, 2024
Reaves is having a solid campaign and has often times been Los Angeles’ third-best player, so it’s easy to see why they would be reluctant to part with him.
Reaves is also on a very team-friendly contract compared to Murray whose four-year extension is set to kick in next year.
For now, it appears that the Lakers will try to hold onto Reaves but if they continue to lose then it might force their hand.
NEXT:
Lakers Are Reportedly ‘Engaged’ In Trade Talks For 1 Veteran
