Off-Limit Laker Reportedly Stalling Dejounte Murray Trade Talks

Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray continues to be one of the most desirable trade candidates in the NBA ahead of the February 7 trade deadline. One of the teams that is the most frequently associated with him is the Los Angeles Lakers. According to the latest reporting, however, the talks have stalled due to the Lakers' unwillingness to put Austin Reaves in the deal.

According to Mike Scotto of HoopsHype, the Hawks have asked for Reaves as part of a trade for Murray, but the Lakers rejected the offer.

Reports: Lakers Don't Want To Trade Austin Reaves For Dejounte Murray

The Los Angeles Lakers have long been looking for a third star next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. They were hoping for Reaves to be that player after his ascension last season.

Even though he is having a solid season averaging over 15 points and five assists on good efficiency, Reaves hasn't quite made the jump to stardom. He even lost his starting job for a long stretch of the season as the Lakers coach Darvin Ham constantly changed things up as the team struggled all season.

Yet, it seems like the Lakers haven't given up on Reaves yet. This is understandable because he is on a very team-friendly contract for the next three years. Giving up on him for the minor upgrade of Dejounte Murray who is two years older and more expensive carries some risks.

Murray was an All-Star two seasons ago with the San Antonio Spurs but failed to play at that level next to Trae Young in Atlanta. The Hawks' underachievement and Murray's questionable fit next to another star in Young raise questions about his potential fit in Los Angeles.

The Hawks are reportedly looking for at least two first-round picks for Murray. If the Lakers don't include Reaves in the deal, it seems unlikely that they would be able to match the equal value of that price. Perhaps they are better off targeting better-fitting players who can shoot, anyway.

Regardless of what move they decide to make, the Lakers are always a threat to make a deep postseason run. They currently have the sixth-best odds in the Western Conference to make the NBA Finals with +1200 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook.

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