The trade speculations surrounding D’Angelo Russell have persisted since he re-signed with the Lakers this summer by waiving his no-trade clause. However, with the trade deadline approaching on February 8, Russell has presented a strong argument for staying put in Los Angeles.

“In his eight games since returning to the starting lineup, Russell has averaged 27.5 points and 6.4 assists per game while shooting 52.3% percent from the field and 54.2% from the 3-point line,” wrote veteran NBA insider Marc Stein in his weekly Substack dispatch. Russell has taken on more оffensive responsibility since the trade, and the team’s record is 6-2 as a result. So, that productivity definitely helped them win.

This week, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported that the Lakers had begun to “rethink things” regarding trading Russell for upgrades. This was the first sign that Russell’s production might have prevented the franchise from trading him. The newest Substack column by Stein was even more conclusive in stating that the Lakers and Hawks’ trade talks about Dejounte Murray have essentially stalled:

According to league sources, the Hawks and the Lakers have not discussed trading for former All-Star Dejounte Murray at all in the past several days.

Despite the fact that trade talks are always open and may be restarted at any moment, a source informed about them described the prоspect of Murray signing with the Lakers before the deadline—which is coming Sunday—as “unrealistic.”

There has been a lot of talk about this arrangement, but the largest opposition to it so far has been labeling it as “unrealistic” since rumors began. While Stein acknowledged that the impending deadline could reignite tensions, he doesn’t paint that picture as plausible at this time:

During earlier negotiations, Atlanta was adamant that no team be allowed to use 27-year-old Russell unless a third party could be found to assume his contract. Russell has a $18.6 million player option for the upcoming season.

Originally, rumors circulated that the Lakers would trade Austin Reaves for Murray in exchange for Russell and a first-round pick in 2029. Because Russell is playing so well, it seems like that pursuit has been toned back a bit.

Until the deadline passes, we will have no idea what will happen. But the tone of this most recent report, along with how public and tumultuous these conversations have grown, makes it seem more probable than not that this deal will not be finalized.

My friend Anthony Irwin always points out that we don’t hear much about the transactions the Lakers make during the Pelinka era. However, there has been a lot of public negotiation on this one, from the grounds of contention to new offers:

In addition, the Lakers might be in for a big pickle if Russell continues to play at this level. It’s worth considering whether Murray’s potential return to defense as a Laker is worth risking a first-round pick and a pick swap on? Murray’s four-year, $114 million extension hasn’t even begun yet, and he’s been worse shooting than him this season and in the past. On the night of the 2024 draft, the club could have three draft choices that could be used to improve their play. I meаn, we should probably give it some thought, right? Is it known that Murray is superior to Russell? Meaning he’ll look more at home playing beside LeBron? That, like Russell, he will prioritize setting up plays for Anthony Davis? The questions are worth asking, at the very least.

Do I really believe Russell ought to be immune to criticism because of this? Not at all. Despite his flaws, he is a competent player. Murray is, too, so it’s worth thinking about whether or not he may be a theoretically significant enough improvement to warrant the potential expense of acquiring him. Up until February 8th, it appears like the Lakers will be doing just that.