The Los Angeles Lakers have been proactive this offseason, bolstering their roster with key additions like Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, and Jake LaRavia. These moves have addressed critical weaknesses in the team’s rotation, positioning them as serious contenders in the Western Conference. However, according to Rohan Brahmbhatt of ClutchPoints, the Lakers might not be done yet. The latest rumor links them to New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray, a potential blockbuster acquisition that could elevate their backcourt. While Murray’s two-way skill set is undeniably appealing, his career 34.4% three-point shooting raises significant concerns about his fit alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
A Solution to the Lakers’ Backcourt Woes?
For years, the Lakers have struggled to find stability in their guard rotation. From Russell Westbrook’s ill-fated tenure to D’Angelo Russell’s inconsistent performances, the team has yet to find a reliable complement to LeBron James. Brahmbhatt highlights Murray as a potential answer, noting, “Murray brings something the Lakers desperately lack: a reliable two-way guard capable of pressuring the rim, creating offense in the halfcourt, and defending multiple positions.”
Murray’s versatility is undeniable. A former All-Star with the San Antonio Spurs, he averaged 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game in his last season with the Atlanta Hawks, showcasing his ability to impact both ends of the floor. His defensive prowess, evidenced by his 2018 All-Defensive Second Team selection, could provide the Lakers with a perimeter stopper to pair with Smart. Offensively, Murray’s ability to attack the rim and create in the halfcourt could alleviate some of the playmaking burden on James, who turns 41 this season.
The Shooting Problem
Despite these strengths, Murray’s fit with the Lakers raises red flags, particularly his inconsistent perimeter shooting. With a career three-point shooting percentage of just 34.4%, Murray is far from an elite catch-and-shoot threat—a critical skill for a guard playing alongside ball-dominant stars like James and Doncic. His time with the Atlanta Hawks highlighted this issue, as he struggled to mesh with Trae Young in a shared ball-handling role. The Lakers’ offense, which thrives on spacing and off-ball movement, could suffer if Murray’s shooting woes persist.
If the Lakers envision Murray as a lead guard for their second unit, his shooting limitations might be less problematic. In that role, he could thrive as a primary playmaker, leveraging his ability to drive and create shots for himself and others. However, asking him to share the floor with James and Doncic in crunch time could clog the offense, especially if defenses sag off him from beyond the arc.
Preparing for Life After LeBron
Another compelling reason to pursue Murray is the looming uncertainty surrounding LeBron James’ future. James, who discussed his career’s twilight in a recent “Complex” interview, acknowledged, “I’m not about to play another 23 years, that’s for damn sure, and I’m not about to play another 10. I’m definitely gearing up to where the end is.” While James remains a dominant force, the Lakers must plan for a post-LeBron era, and Murray’s playmaking could help fill the void.
An NBA executive, speaking to Lakers Daily’s Ashish Matur, suggested that James might extend his career to play alongside his son, Bryce James, who becomes draft-eligible in 2026. “Unless there’s a huge drop-off in his production or the Lakers win the championship, I think LeBron is playing in 2026-27,” the executive noted. Murray, at 29 years old, could serve as a bridge to the next generation of Lakers stars, providing continuity as the team transitions.
Is Murray Worth the Risk?
The potential acquisition of Dejounte Murray represents a high-risk, high-reward move for the Lakers. His defensive versatility and playmaking ability make him an attractive target, but his shooting deficiencies could undermine the team’s spacing-dependent offense. If the Lakers can secure him without sacrificing core assets, he could be a valuable addition—particularly as a leader of the second unit. However, expecting him to seamlessly integrate into a starting lineup alongside James and Doncic may be optimistic given his past struggles in similar roles.
As the Lakers aim to maximize LeBron James’ championship window, they must weigh whether Murray’s two-way talent outweighs his shooting limitations. With the trade market heating up, all eyes will be on Los Angeles to see if they pull the trigger on this blockbuster move.