Los Angeles Lakers eye potential trade for Atlanta Hawks star guard

The Los Angeles Lakers have found their coach, but now it is time to strengthen the squad behind the star tandem LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

As one of the NBA’s largest markets, the Lakers front office is expected to try to attract a star to the team. With the Atlanta Hawks owning the No. 1 pick in next week’s NBA Draft, the guard duo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray could be replaceable. Murray is the go-to point guard for Los Angeles, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

“They have to be aggressive, and I think Dejounte Murray will step up in the trade conversations,” Charania said on the Pat McAfee Show.

The Lakers lack serious trade pieces but could use their own recruiting capital as the main temptation for the Hawks. Even with Alex Sarr, Zaccharie Risacher or Donovan Clingan joining the roster, Atlanta remains a good margin out of championship contention. Leaving Murray in exchange for multiple first-round picks is undoubtedly the best move for their future.

Alternatively, the former All-Star doesn’t put the Lakers among the championship favorites, but would allow them to compete in the loaded Western Conference.