Lakers Plot Trouble for Knicks in Race for Trae Young’s All-Star Teammate

Amidst their regular season struggles, the New York Knicks are actively considering the addition of another star player to bolster their roster. Recent reports suggest that the Knicks have set their sights on Trae Young’s All-Star teammate, Dejounte Murray. The Atlanta Hawks have struggled to impose themselves on the Eastern Conference this season. This has meant that the Hawks are willing to consider offers for Dejounte Murray.

However, the Knicks aren’t the only team vying for the signature of Murray, as another “big-market” franchise have registered an interest in the 27-year-old All-Star. 

Lakers interested in Dejounte Murray

According to the Athletics’ Shams Charania, Hawks’ guard and Trae Young’s All-Star teammate, Dejounte Murray, is attracting admiring glances from the Lakers. Shams said, “One more player to keep an eye on I’m told, a potential target for the Lakers, Hawks guard Dejounte Murray.” He even called Murray a “better” option than Chicago Bulls’ Zach LaVine. In recent times, Murray has also attracted interest from the New York Knicks, who themselves seek a back-court partner for Jalen Brunson. But, orchestrating a trade with the Knicks might prove challenging because Murray’s agent, Rich Paul, remains reluctant to do business with the Knicks.

This is a positive development for the Lakers, given the strong and amicable working relationship between Rich Paul and the Lakers. A player of Murray’s quality can significantly raise the floor of the current Lakers roster. The Los Angeles Lakers have seen a significant downturn in recent performances since their In-Season tournament triumph earlier this month. Despite possessing the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers currently languish outside the guaranteed playoff spots. With several people doubting their title credentials, can the Lakers prove their skeptics wrong?

Can the Lakers win the 2024 NBA title?

Despite winning the NBA Cup, the Lakers are not being taken seriously as contenders for the NBA title by many. However, the Lakers have proved their skeptics wrong on multiple occasions before. Any team which consists of the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis have to be considered for the title. Furthermore, the Lakers have been one of the best defensive teams in the league. They have a defensive rating of 113, the 8th best mark in the league.

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However, the Lakers need to figure out some glaring flaws in their roster. Their offense has looked stale and stagnant, and to address that issue, the Lakers must trade for an offensive stud like Zach LaVine or Murray. Another problem area has been their three-point shooting. They are shooting at a clip of 35.3% from beyond the arc, which is the 9th worst in the league. Despite their issues, the Lakers have shown their title pedigree by winning the NBA Cup, and they will surely be a formidable force in the postseason.

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