Lakers Trade Rumors: 7x NBA Champion Claims 1 of LeBron James’ Teammate in Untouchable

February 8 marks the last date for the trade deadline and things have just started to heat up. With around two weeks to go, several teams have got in contact with each other for a blockbuster trade and the Los Angeles Lakers are one to look out for. Standing right below .500, the front office is looking for an X-factor who can be crucial for them in the postseason. And the word is out there that they have all eyes on Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks. 

According to several reports, Murray is a “serious” target but the Lakers can put him in a yellow uniform only at a big cost. 3-time Lakers champion Robert Horry shared the complications in this possible trade on his YouTube podcast. The Lakers were ready to put their best guard, D’Angelo Russell, on the table for Murray, but the Hawks were interested in someone else: Austin Reaves.

Horry shared, “I have called one of my inside sources to see what he says. He said that they had a deal on the table, but they didn’t want D-Lo. They wanted AR. And the Lakers don’t want to get rid of AR.” 

Horry’s host shared that the Hawks and the Lakers are looking for a third team to participate, which will send D-Lo out and bring Murray in. However, it is not too likely at the moment. Horry shared that a trade between the Lakers and Hawks is possible only if Austin Reaves is made available. This might be a hard choice to make for the time being, but towards the deadline, you can expect anything!

How is D’Angelo Russell increasing his trade value? 

The disappointment on Russell’s face was pretty evident after the Lakers put him in the trade talks. However, that did not disturb his game at all. In fact, it has improved. Russell is averaging 27.2 points, and 6.4 assists in his last five games. To an added surprise, he is shooting an impeccable 56% from the field and 53.7% from outside the line. With game-changing performances like this, Russell single-handedly has made it hard for LeBron James and Co. to get rid of him. 

Read more: NBA Trade Rumors: Major Problem Persists for Warriors and Clippers While Lakers Receive Green Light Ahead of Deadline

It has indeed increased his trade value now, which could push the front office to see other options as well. Or, if D-Lo continues with this efficiency, they might put AR-15 on the talks. It is just a matter of days at this point, and every day is a suspense for the Laker nation.

Watch this story: “Nightmare season continues for Andrew Wiggins as he drops 127 ranks lower in a demeaning NBA list” 

Who do you think is going to survive the battle? Share your take in the comments below.