The Los Angeles Lakers are actively engaged in discussions across the NBA landscape as the 2024 NBA trade deadline looms closer. With until Feb. 8 to decide their course of action, the Lakers are weighing whether to stick with their current roster or explore potential personnel changes.
Should they opt for the latter, it appears that Toronto Raptors guard Bruce Brown and Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray are the primary targets on their radar.
The Lakers have been eyeing Murray for several weeks, capitalizing on the Hawks’ middling performance and their contemplation of a hefty four-year extension for Murray.
L.A. sees an opportunity to capitalize on Atlanta’s reluctance to commit significant funds to a team that struggles to advance beyond the first round of the playoffs.
Conversely, Brown garnered considerable interest from the Lakers during the off-season, but the Indiana Pacers outbid them. However, when the Pacers traded him to the Raptors for Pascal Siakam, the Lakers saw a chance to reignite their pursuit.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Lakers are reportedly focused on Brown and Murray as their primary trade targets leading up to the deadline:
“The Lakers, I’m told, are continuing to monitor two players. I think the two guys at the forefront of their targets list going into the trade deadline, are Dejounte Murray of Atlanta, and Bruce Brown Jr. of Toronto. Those are two guys I think they continue to monitor. I expect those conversations to continue as the next week, week-and-a-half, two weeks go on.”
Both Brown and Murray present intriguing options for the Lakers and could bolster their roster if a deal materializes.
Murray may prove to be the more accessible acquisition compared to Brown, given the Raptors’ reported steep asking price. Nonetheless, the Lakers are diligently conducting their research to enhance their team’s prospects.
Currently holding a 22-22 record, the Lakers are trailing by four games for the No. 6 seed, which would exempt them from the Play-In Tournament.
Unlike the previous season, where they made significant roster changes at the deadline, the Lakers are expected to focus largely on maximizing the potential of their existing roster, even if they secure one of their desired trade targets.
