Lakers could look to net another Hawks player in Dejounte Murray trade

The Feb. 8 NBA trade deadline is fast approaching. The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be active on the trade market, just as they were at this time last season. Hawks guard Dejounte Murray has been rumored to be drawing interest from Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and the front office. 

According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, Los Angeles also holds some interest in Atlanta's Clint Capela and could look to acquire the veteran big man as part of a trade that also lands them Murray. 

“The Lakers, league sources said, have briefly discussed the scenario of acquiring both Murray and Capela from the Hawks," Siegel reported. "Whereas Atlanta has remained adamant on wanting third-year guard Austin Reaves, the Lakers have remained firm on their stance of keeping the 25-year-old out of all trade discussions. This extends to trade conversations Los Angeles has held with other teams besides the Hawks.”

The sticking point continues to be Austin Reaves. The third-year guard, who has exploded in popularity since joining the Lakers as an undrafted rookie, is well-liked within the organization and by the fanbase. The Hawks would need to back down on their desire to acquire Reaves as a part of a Murray trade if talks are to progress further.

Nevertheless, adding both Murray and Capela would be a significant win for the Lakers. Murray would give Los Angeles the point-of-attack defender they sorely need on the perimeter, while Capela and Anthony Davis would combine to form a fearsome front-court trio alongside LeBron James. 

The Lakers do have other young talents they could try to tempt the Hawks with. Rui Hachimura and Jarred Vanderbilt have both been impressive since joining the Lakers at the 2023 trade deadline. D'Angelo Russell is also expected to be available on the trade market, although his skillset would likely bring too much crossover with Trae Young. 

Pelinka has a knack for getting trades over the line. If there is interest from both sides, the Lakers and Hawks could find a middle ground as the trade deadline draws closer. Both teams want to re-ignite their season, and both have players that could entice each other. It's only a matter of time before either the Lakers or the Hawks blink first.