Lakers’ top priority reportedly is to land Hawks’ Dejounte Murray in trade

We’ve heard the Los Angeles Lakers linked to available Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray for several weeks. Well, apparently they more than just want Murray. They seemingly must have him.

Per Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers’ top priority is to trade for Murray before the Feb. 8 deadline.

“From my understanding, Dejounte Murray is their priority right now,” Buha said on the HoopsHype podcast with Michael Scotto. “To me, he’d be the most likely trade outcome right now if I was handicapping the odds. I think they’re the favorites to land him. Again, the big hurdle right now is finding that third team.”

Namely, the Hawks reportedly would need to find another to take Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell. Atlanta has no interest in Russell and that’s who the Lakers have offered, along with other pieces.

Reports say the Hawks are seeking two first-rounders in a Murray trade. He has also been linked to the Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn News.

Murray, 27, is averaging 21.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.3 steals, shooting 46.8% from the field and 38.7% on 3-pointers. He is making $17.7 million after signing a four-year, $114 million extension with the Hawks last offseason.

He carries NBA career averages of 14.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.4 steals with the Spurs and Hawks. A member of the 2017-18 All-Defensive Second Team, Murray won the 2021-22 steals title as a member of the Spurs, He was traded to the Hawks in June 2022.

Murray is represented by agent Rich Paul, whose extensive client list also includes LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Draymond Green.

The Lakers (22-23) are in ninth place in the Western Conference and are said to be seeking speed and athleticism.