The Los Angeles Lakers’ front office has leaked that they want to acquire a two-way player at the trade deadline, according to NBA insider Matt Moore of Action Network. Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray and Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine, who are both represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group, have been heavily linked to the Lakers.
Since Murray is a two-way player and LaVine isn’t, it’s become clear that Murray is the compromise Klutch and the Lakers’ front office can reach, per Moore.
“We start with the Los Angeles Lakers. Murray is a Klutch client, so no surprise there’s interest here,” Moore wrote. “But while there was a flurry of discussion about Zach LaVine (also Klutch) a month ago, it’s become clear that Murray is the compromise Klutch and the Lakers’ front office can reach. The Lakers’ front office has leaked that they want a two-way player, which Murray is, and LaVine is not.”
Murray is averaging 21.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.3 blocks this season while shooting 46.6% from the floor, 39.4% from 3 and 81.4% from the free-throw line. He’s making $17.7 million.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Meanwhile, LaVine is averaging 20.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.0 steals and 0.3 blocks while shooting 44.6% from the field, 34.0% from beyond the arc and 85.3% from the free-throw line. He’s making $40 million.
According to NBA insider Bobby Marks of ESPN, the Lakers have “no appetite to add a third max guy.” Since Murray is a better two-way player than LaVine and makes less money, Los Angeles is prioritizing Murray over LaVine.
Murray has career averages of 14.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.3 blocks with the San Antonio Spurs and Hawks. He made the 2017-18 NBA All-Defensive Second Team and won the 2021-22 steals title.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dejounte Murray, Atlanta Hawks, Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
LaVine, meanwhile, has career averages of 20.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Bulls. He has made two All-Star teams.
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