As the NBA regular season passes the halfway point, teams are actively looking for trade options that can improve their strength, and the Los Angeles Lakers are particularly noteworthy. Although the Lakers won the championship last season, their recent form has declined, and a six-game losing streak has raised concerns about whether the team can remain competitive in the playoffs. To ensure the Lakers can successfully defend their title, team management is considering bringing in a No. 3 star before the February trade deadline. Zach LaVine and Dejont Murray are the two most likely candidates to be traded to the Lakers.
LaVine has been with the Chicago Bulls for a long time and is the Bulls' number one star. He signed a five-year, $215 million contract with the team and is regarded by the Bulls as the team's No. 1 card for years to come. But it's worth noting that even in recent weeks when LaVine was sidelined with an injury, the Bulls have maintained a good record. This means that the Bulls may consider using LaVine as a leverage in exchange for other trades that would positively impact the team. And for the Lakers, LaVine is attractive — he's a star-level shooting guard who can share the offensive pressure of James and Davis, which is exactly what the Lakers desperately need.
Dejont Murray has also been seen as a potential target. He's been with the Hawks for years, leading the Eastern Conference alongside rookie Trae Young. But the Hawks' poor record at the start of the season has boosted Murray's trade value. New York Knicks are also interested in Murray, but the Lakers seem to have the strength and sincerity to get the deal done. In addition, Murray's contract is more reasonable than LaVine's high salary, which makes him a more realistic trade option for the Lakers.
Against Murray, the Lakers could bid Russell and a future draft pick. In fact, the Hawks just signed Murray to a four-year, $114 million contract extension this summer, making it clear that they want him to continue to play the core of the team. So, in order to poach Murray from the Hawks, the Lakers would have to make a very high offer in exchange. Other options, including young players such as Reeves and Max Christie, seem unlikely.
With the exception of LaVine and Murray, there are few other star-caliber players in the league who are expected to be traded before the end of February. The Raptors' Siakam and Anunoby are asking for too much, and the Jazz won't give up on Markkanen. That means LaVine and Murray remain the Lakers' most realistic targets. But whether it is LaVine or Murray joining, it will bring a heavy blow to the Lakers' salary space. This requires Lakers management to carefully assess whether bringing in a No. 3 star is really worth sacrificing so much money, considering that James and Davis' high-salary contracts are also putting pressure on the team's budget.
In terms of specific trade plans, in addition to LaVine and Murray, the Lakers' interior Russell is likely to be sacrificed. With his role gradually marginalized, the combination of Russell and a draft pick could be used by the Lakers in exchange for a new star. This is similar to the routine of sending Wei Shao away at the beginning. If Russell leaves, he will immediately become a significant force in the team.
Overall, the Lakers are clearly in dire need of a trade to secure the strength of the team. Whether LaVine, Murray, or other surprise trade partners are chosen, the Lakers' management's move at this time will directly affect the team's championship path this season, and even the Lakers' competitiveness in the coming years. Fans will be waiting to see what exciting competition and changes will be presented at this critical time in the highest halls of the game.