Dejounte Murray might be the Lakers’ first acquisition under JJ Redick.
Murray is the kind of adaptable guard that the Lakers could use more of. He’s a tried-and-true asset on both ends of the court. Murray has demonstrated his ability to play with elite players by doing so with Trae Young in recent seasons. He would also provide the Lakers with the main decision-maker and ball handler they have been lacking.
Throughout the course of the Atlanta Hawks’ 78 regular-season games, Murray averaged 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.4 assists. It’s interesting to note that Atlanta performed -2.3 points worse with him on the court than on the bench. That might have been influenced by the Hawks’ general defensive problems, though.
Moreover, the Lakers wouldn’t be wise to sign Murray if they didn’t also let go of D’Angelo.
Moreover, the Lakers would be foolish to sign Murray if they didn’t also part with D’Angelo Russell. Murray is far too talented to be starting from the bench. Russell probably wouldn’t be happy playing with Los Angeles’ second unit as well.
Nevertheless, a trade for Murray would make sense if Pelinka thinks he could provide the kind of two-way output the Lakers need in their backcourt. He is most effective when he has the ball in his hands. LeBron James and Anthony Davis would both benefit from his ability to penetrate off the dribble and make reads.
It appears that Pelinka and the Lakers front office will have a busy summer. Redick will have predetermined concepts for his team’s style of play.
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