With the trade deadline in February just around the corner, the Los Angeles Lakers have been the subject of several trade speculations. The team might get Dejounte Murray, a guard for the Atlanta Hawks, according to Lakers Daily’s Mike Battaglino, if they trade for Austin Reaves. But the Lakers might demand more than just Murray from the Hawks in a trade.

The Atlanta Hawks and Dejounte Murray reportedly inked a massive four-year deal extension for $120 million in July 2023. Austin Reaves, meanwhile, decided to stay with Los Angeles after a fantastic sophomore season by agreeing to a five-year, $56 million maximum contract.

With both guards performing at a high level this season, the possibility of a trade between the two teams is intriguing. The Hawks and the Lakers, on the other hand, could use a roster shakeup or reinforcement by trading a couple components.

Despite having top-tier players on their rosters, they are now lagging behind their conference rivals in the NBA.

What might the Los Angeles Lakers gain from Dejounte Murray?

If the Los Angeles Lakers are able to acquire Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks, they will undoubtedly improve their roster with a point guard who can contribute in multiple ways.

Murray has averaged 21.1 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game this season. He is shooting 46.6% from the field and 39.4% from beyond the arc. The guard’s career has taken a significant leap forward since his days with the Spurs.

He has proven himself to be a dependable shotmaker, and his self-assurance in his оffensive style shows on the field. The Lakers could use an additional scoring threаt to test defenses when LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves aren’t available.

Murray is not only capable of directing the аttаck from the point guard position, but he is also a solid defender. With a real guard in the starting lineup, LeBron James won’t have to make as many calls, which is great news for the team.

Still, Reaves is undeniably a valuable contributor to the squad. In comparison to his performance in his sophomore year, he is now averaging 15.1 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game on 47.8% shooting, including 33.7% from beyond the arc.

But with his two-way abilities, Murray might be seen as an improvement above him. With the Hawks guard able to score whenever he wants, opposing teams will have to adjust their defenses to account for a squad that no longer relies on James and Davis as scoring threats.

We don’t know yet whether the LA can successfully execute a move like this.