How the Lakers can get Dejounte Murray and Clint Capela

by Jacob Romano

The Canadian Press

According to a report from Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Lakers are interested in trading for Atlanta Hawks guard Dejounte Murray.

Over the past two months, LA has been linked to Murray, reinforced by a report from Chris Haynes.

The Lakers have continuously been involved in trade rumors this season, as their 19-20 record has exposed many holes throughout the roster. 

LA's interest in Dejounte Murray is understandable, as the point guard position has been a massive disappointment this year. D’Angelo Russell lost his starting spot due to his inconsistent play earlier this season. Backup guard Gabe Vincent has played in just five games due to a knee injury. 

Murray starts at shooting guard for the Hawks, but the 27-year-old can play point guard for the Lakers. He started over 200 games for the San Antonio Spurs at point guard and often rotates with Hawks star Trae Young to lead the bench unit.

Murray’s skill set would be a considerable upgrade to LA's backcourt. He is averaging 21/5/5 this season, with 47% shooting from the field and 39% from three.

In his last season with the Spurs, where he was the starting point guard, he averaged over nine assists per game. 

Furthermore, Murray has a nose for the ball defensively. He has averaged over 1.5 steals per game in his career and has had five seasons averaging at least three deflections per game. He is an elite point-of-attack defender who would upgrade LA's backcourt defense.

In addition to Murray, Atlanta is reportedly open to trading starting center Clint Capela.

The 29-year-old center would be a massive upgrade to a struggling Lakers big-man rotation, as he has averaged 12/11/1 while shooting almost 60% from the field this season. 

Throughout his career, Capela has been one of the most consistent centers in the league, having averaged at least 12 and 10 in seven of his ten seasons.

He is also recognized as one of the best interior defenders in the game and excels at blocking shots. 

With the Lakers needing help at both positions, here is the perfect Dejounte Murray and Clint Capela trade package.

Hawks receive: D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, Jalen Hood-Schifino, a 2028 first-round pick swap (ATL gets more favorable), and a 2029 unprotected first-round pick

Lakers receive: Dejounte Murray, Clint Capela, and a 2028 first-round pick swap (LAL gets less favorable)

*Note: Trade is ineligible until January 15th, as multiple players involved re-signed this offseason using bird rights

With this trade, the LakeShow would undoubtedly sacrifice some long-term pieces to acquire Murray and Capela.

However, the Lakers MUST find a way to turn this season around, as the window to win another championship with LeBron James and Anthony Davis will not last forever.

Furthermore, Murray and Capela are far from one-year rentals. Murray signed a four-year, $120 million extension this offseason, while Capela is under contract for another year and could be extended in the offseason.

Both are under 30 years old and can be a part of the Lakers' future. 

While it hurts to give up Hachimura, an unprotected first-round pick, and a first-round pick swap, the reality is that both Murray and Capela will be sought-after by other teams around the league. 

Hood-Schifino could be a young player for Atlanta to develop. They could also reroute Russell to another team for additional value.

If the Lakers hope to get both, they must offer a competitive package for the Hawks to even entertain it. 

They may have to give up Reaves for Atlanta to consider an offer for Murray and Capela. However, Reaves is a talented young player who the Purple and Gold would prefer to keep. This is the most competitive offer they can give without including Reaves.

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