Lakers Rumors: Dejounte Murray Trade Has Emerged as LA's 'Priority' at NBA Deadline

If the Los Angeles Lakers make a big move ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline, their primary focus will be on Dejounte Murray.

Appearing on the HoopsHype podcast, The Athletic's Jovan Buha said the Lakers have made the Atlanta Hawks guard "their priority right now."

The Hawks' experiment with Murray and Trae Young in the backcourt hasn't worked out as they hoped. They are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference with an 18-26 record.

Los Angeles has been prioritizing backcourt players this trade season with LeBron James having to take on an increased role as the primary point guard.

The Lakers had some interest in Terry Rozier before he was traded to the Miami Heat on Tuesday. Murray, Bruce Brown, and Tyus Jones are among the options still available on the market who could fit what the team needs.

Buha reported last week the Lakers aren't going to make a deal that simply shakes things up, but rather brings in "difference-makers to address some of their glaring needs."

Among the biggest needs on the roster, per Buha, are three-point shooting, speed on the perimeter and athleticism. They rank 13th in defensive rating, tied for 29th in three-pointers made per game (11.0) and last in three-point attempts per game (30.5)

Murray would go a long way toward solving those problems. He's an aggressive defender who has averaged at least 1.2 steals per game in each of his past six seasons. The 27-year-old is averaging a career-high 21.4 points on 38.7 percent three-point shooting this season.

There are hurdles for the Lakers to clear if they want to acquire Murray. Buha said on the podcast a third team will likely have to be involved because the Hawks are looking for long-term assets and don't want to take back D'Angelo Russell's contract.

The Lakers certainly need to do something in the next two weeks if they want to have any shot of being a playoff contender in the Western Conference. They sit in ninth place right now with a 22-23 record.