Lakers’ former all-defensive guard is acquired by ESPN in a proposed three-team trade.

ESPN’s Kevin Pelton is advocating for a three-team deal that would eventually result in the Los Angeles Lakers acquiring former All-Star and one-time All-Defensive Second Team guard Dejounte Murray, amid D’Angelo Russell’s comeback that propelled the team back into postseason contention.

Pelton’s Trade Suggestion:

Dejounte Murray is given to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Spencer Dinwiddie, a 2029 first-round pick, is acquired by the Atlanta Hawks (via Lakers)
Received by the Brooklyn Nets: D’Angelo Russell

After defeating the struggling Golden State Warriors 145-144 in double overtime on January 27, the Lakers dropped to 2.5 games outside the top six in the Western Conference.

Even with Russell’s recent eight-game scoring and assist streak (27.5 points and 6.4 rebounds while shooting 52.3 percent from the field and 54.2 percent from three) the Lakers are still far from contending for a championship.

Russell is playing his best basketball during this 5-3 run, and their offense is clicking, ranking in the top-5. Their top-18 defense, however, is far from outstanding.

Russell’s playmaking and scoring could be replaced by Murray, who would also play superior defense.

The Murray-Lakers match makes perfect sense. The greatest player the Lakers could conceivably add before the trade deadline is this Klutch client. The Lakers’ matching salary is the main sticking point. The Hawks wouldn’t want Russell to exercise his $18.7 million player option, which would prevent them from re-signing restricted free agent Saddiq Bey without going over the luxury tax even if Russell’s salary is almost the same, Pelton wrote.

Russell will have a team to take up his $18.7 million player option for the next season and the runway to keep producing if the Nets get back together.

In the offseason, the Lakers would still be able to enhance their roster with two first-round picks. If the trial fails, they could also turn around and give Murray those selections.

Lakers Are “Reversing” Their Deal With D’Angelo Russell
The Lakers defeated the Warriors in double overtime, and Russell continued to play with fire. Russell finished with five assists and 28 points, including a crucial 3-pointer in the second overtime period.

Murray’s impressive play since he rejoined the starting lineup has caused the Lakers to reconsider their pursuit of him.

In exchange for Murray, the Lakers were reportedly prepared to give Russell a 2029 first-round selection and a first-round pick swap, with Austin Reaves being strictly off-limits. With Russell playing so well, it seems like that quest has been scaled back a bit, according to Stein’s January 28 substack newsletter.

NBA’s Most Recent Two-Minute Report: Officials Missed Critical Call
Per the NBA Last Two Minute report, Stephen Curry’s game-winning three-pointer was saved by the Warriors thanks to a critical non-call.

Draymond Green laid up a screen on Jarred Vanderbilt, the most adaptable defender on the Lakers, and Curry was wide free. The Last 2 Minute report claims that the officials did not flag Green for an offensive foul before to Curry’s 6-second attempt.