Hawks’ Dejounte Murray, Raptors’ Bruce Brown top targets for Lakers

Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray and Toronto Raptors guard Bruce Brown are at the “forefront” of the Los Angeles Lakers’ trade targets, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The Lakers have been linked to both players for some time, as they reportedly look to add speed and athleticism before the Feb. 8 trade deadline.

“The Lakers, I’m told, are continuing to monitor two players,” Charania said on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back. “I think the two guys at the forefront of their targets list going into the trade deadline, Dejounte Murray of Atlanta, and Bruce Brown Jr. of Toronto.”

Murray, 27, has been linked to several other teams, including the New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets.

He is averaging 21.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.3 steals, shooting 47 percent from the floor and 39 percent on 3-pointers. He is making $17.7 million and is represented by Rich Paul, whose extensive client list also includes LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Meanwhile, Brown was just acquired by the Raptors last week in the blockbuster trade that sent forward Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers.

Brown also has been linked to the Bucks and Denver Nuggets, the team with which he won a championship last season. He is averaging 11.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.0 steals, shooting 48 percent from the field and 32 percent on threes.

Brown reportedly came close to signing with LA over the summer. He’s making $22 million this season with a team option worth $23 million for next.

The Lakers (22-23) have not resembled anything remotely close to a contender since winning the In-Season Tournament. Hence, their strong desire to make changes. They currently sit in ninth place in the Western Conference.

"The Lakers, I'm told, are continuing to monitor two players. I think the two guys at the forefront of their targets list going into the trade deadline, Dejounte Murray of Atlanta, and Bruce Brown Jr. of Toronto."@ShamsCharania on the Los Angeles Lakers

📺:… pic.twitter.com/qisoZUdrsy

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) January 24, 2024