According to NBA Insider Jovan Buha, the Lakers have five trade targets until the February Trade Deadline. On the Lakers’ list are Zach LaVine, Dejounte Murray, Dorian Finney-Smith, Royce O’Neale, and Terry Rozier. He revealed this in a recent article by
“The Lakers have several needs, but the buzz around the organization is that offense — particularly 3-point shooting and downhill athleticism — are the areas they hope to address within the next month. That could come in the form of a splashy trade for Zach LaVine or Dejounte Murray, or a smaller move for a role player like Dorian Finney-Smith, Royce O’Neale or Terry Rozier.”
We have written multiple trade scenarios explaining how the 19-20 Lakers can land a star before the trade deadline. Many of the names Buha mentioned have been openly linked with the Lakers and there are trade proposals that could make those deals a reality.
For Zach LaVine, the Lakers are trying to protect Austin Reaves in a deal and make a trade around D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, and additional salaries. However, the most plausible package sees Reaves make his way to Chicago, while the Lakers try and also snag Alex Caruso in that deal. LaVine is averaging 20.3 points on 44.6% from the field and 34.0% from three this season, recently returning from injury. His acquisition is a surefire way to add fire to the Lakers’ offense and a player who is capable of leading the offense.
We suggested three different scenarios for Dejounte Murray and how the Lakers can acquire him. Murray is averaging 21.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, proving to be a high-level combo guard who can add a spark of offense, be on a manageable long-term deal, and defend at a high level. According to Chris Haynes, the Lakers are seriously considering trading for Dejounte because they want speed and athleticism in the backcourt.
Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O’Neale have previously been linked with the Lakers and could be budget options if they strike out on bigger targets.
Terry Rozier could be a cheap get from the Hornets and add the scoring spark the Lakers need in the backcourt, though his decision-making could frustrate the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Who’s The Best Target For The Lakers?
Out of the five names mentioned, I think the Lakers should go guns blazing to try and get a deal for Dejounte Murray done. Even if it includes the Lakers giving up either their 2029 or 2030 first-round draft pick, it makes the most sense to go after Dejounte. He has the most versatile skill set of all the names mentioned and has had a close relationship with LeBron since his childhood.
In addition, Murray can easily fit into a backcourt with Austin Reaves and be one of the primary ball-handlers. LeBron will likely find his spots to be the primary playmaker but Murray would excel in carrying that role for larger chunks. He’s on a long-term contract that’ll net him $18 million this year. To have a player of Murray’s caliber on the Lakers with his contract would be a steal, as it allows the Lakers to keep most of their depth intact.
LaVine is a more natural scorer than Murray but that also leads to him being a little one-dimensional. He’s also on a massive contract that’s worth over double what Murray is owed, meaning it’ll be a challenge for the Lakers to acquire his injury-prone self and then have the depth they need to make a contention push.
If they strike out on both, a guard should be targeted, preferably one with more playmaking nuance than Rozier.
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