Lakers' Top NBA Trade Deadline Targets After Zach LaVine's Season-Ending Foot Injury

The Los Angeles Lakers are likely out of the Zach LaVine sweepstakes leading up to the Feb. 8 trade deadline, as is the rest of the NBA.

The Chicago Bulls announced Saturday that LaVine will undergo surgery on his right foot and will be sidelined for the next four to six months, effectively putting an end to a 2023-24 campaign in which he was limited to just 25 games.

LaVine had been linked to the Lakers since November when The Athletic and Stadium's Shams Charania reported on The Rally that the Purple and Gold were among the teams that had a "level of interest" in the veteran guard.

With LaVine sidelined for the remainder of the year, the Lakers will shift their focus to some of the other top trade candidates leading up to the deadline as they aim to improve an underperforming roster that has struggled to a 25-25 record.

Here's a look at some of the franchise's top targets as the deadline approaches.

Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks

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The Atlanta Hawks have been shopping Dejounte Murray this winter as they look to retool their roster amid a disappointing season that has them sitting 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 21-27 record.

The Lakers have been linked as a suitor for Murray since December when Charania reported on Fan Duel TV's Run It Back that he was a potential target.

The Athletic's Jovan Buha added last month on the HoopsHype podcast with Michael Scotto that Murray is L.A.'s "top priority" ahead of the deadline.

However, the reported asking price for the 2016 first-round pick is high.

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor reported that Atlanta is looking for at least two first-round picks in exchange for Murray. That presents a problem for the Lakers as they only have their 2029 first-round pick available in any deal due to the Stepien Rule.

If they could swing a deal, Murray would be a tremendous addition to the starting lineup alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves. He's a solid ball handler, a strong three-point shooter and also a great perimeter defender.

The 27-year-old is averaging 21.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 47 games this year while shooting 47.0 percent from the floor and 37.6 percent from deep.

Bruce Brown, Toronto Raptors

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Bruce Brown was already traded once this season when the Indiana Pacers shipped him to the Toronto Raptors in the Pascal Siakam deal, and he could be on the move again ahead of the deadline.

The Lakers have been linked to Brown since late last month when NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Purple and Gold "have been frequently mentioned as likely suitors" for the veteran guard.

However, Matt Moore of Action Network reported on Saturday that the Lakers have "at least temporarily moved away from talks for" Brown leading up to the deadline.

The asking price is also quite high as Stein reported Thursday that Raptors president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri "continues to search for a first-round pick as the centerpiece" in any deal for Brown.

If the Lakers can swing a deal for the 2023 NBA champion, he would also be a solid option alongside James, Davis and Reaves. He's a do-it-all type of role player that can provide production on both ends of the floor.

In 40 games this season, the 27-year-old is averaging 11.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists while shooting 47.2 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from beyond the arc.

Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets

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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - DECEMBER 18: Dorian Finney-Smith #28 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on December 18, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

While the Lakers have been heavily linked to some of the best available guards on the market this winter, they could also use an upgrade from Cam Reddish and Taurean Prince on the wings.

Enter Dorian Finney-Smith, who has been linked to the Lakers since late last month when Charania reported on Run It Back that they "have interest in" the veteran forward.

Finney-Smith is averaging 9.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 42 games this season while shooting 41.2 percent from the floor and 38.3 percent from beyond the arc.

The 30-year-old would be a valuable addition on the wing, and he's also under contract through the 2024-25 season with a player option for 2025-26, so he would be more than just a rental for the Lakers.

In addition to Finney-Smith, Charania reported the Lakers also have interest in Spencer Dinwiddie and Royce O'Neale. Considering all three are members of the Nets, it'll be interesting to see if the franchise could perhaps swing a package deal for at least two of those players.