Lakers Rumors: Possible Dejounte Murray Trade 'Would Likely Involve' D'Angelo Russell

The Los Angeles Lakers trading for Dejounte Murray would reportedly mean the end of D'Angelo Russell's time with the Purple and Gold in all likelihood.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, "any framework for a Murray trade to the Lakers would likely involve guard D'Angelo Russell."

What's more, such a move "would be contingent on" Atlanta flipping the guard to a third team since his playing style next to Trae Young and his $18.7 million player option for the 2024-25 campaign wouldn't work for the Hawks.

Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer reported Atlanta is asking for two first-round picks in a Murray trade, which would be a problem for the Lakers.

After all, they only have their 2029 first-round pick available to trade for the time being with the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz owning some of their future first-rounders and the Stepien Rule ruling out the ability to move others.

Scotto noted the 2029 pick "would almost assuredly have to be included" and also pointed out the Lakers rejected Atlanta's interest in Austin Reaves. Perhaps adding rookie first-round pick Jalen Hood-Schifino would help, but Scotto pointed out the Hawks chose Kobe Bufkin over him.

That means a third team that wants Russell might be necessary if Murray is going to end up on the Lakers.

Russell is someone who can put up solid numbers and is averaging 15.7 points and 6.1 assists per game while shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 40.1 percent from deep this season. He can take advantage of the spacing created by more prominent players with that outside shooting, much like he has with LeBron James and Anthony Davis in Los Angeles.

Still, he is a streaky and expensive player who doesn't fit in certain situations with other perimeter ball-handlers such as Young in Atlanta.

Whether that makes it more difficult to trade him remains to be seen, but it might be necessary for the Lakers to add a talent like Murray.