The Los Angeles Lakers remain undeterred in their pursuit of Dejounte Murray, despite challenges in reaching a trade agreement with the Atlanta Hawks.
Recent reports have suggested the Lakers’ interest in Murray, but complications arise as the Hawks are disinterested in acquiring D’Angelo Russell in any potential trade.
On the flip side, the Hawks have expressed interest in Austin Reaves, but the Lakers are adamant about retaining the third-year guard and not including him in any deal.
Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN’s NBA insider, shed light on the ongoing negotiations during The Woj Pod, stating that Lakers’ General Manager Rob Pelinka continues to explore possibilities even with the trade deadline looming just days away.
Wojnarowski mentioned, “Rob Pelinka is going to keep trying. I know he’ll keep working until Thursday. I think there’s still conversations to be had on Dejounte Murray. I think there’s a price point for L.A., and I think they’re going to wait and see.”
Despite challenges, the Lakers are firm in their stance regarding Reaves, whom Atlanta has expressed interest in. The Lakers’ reluctance to include Reaves in a potential deal highlights their commitment to the emerging talent.
Wojnarowski provided additional insights, stating, “They can wait in L.A., see what the market bares for Dejounte Murray, maybe by Wednesday/Thursday there’s one pick and D’Angelo Russell going to a third team or maybe in Atlanta, or whatever it is, maybe some other combination.”
He added, “But it feels like Atlanta wants more, hopes they can get more than that. But I think the expectations in L.A. are tempered right now that there just may not be anything that can move the needle for them.”
“LeBron James doesn’t want to hear it. I’m sure AD doesn’t want to hear it but you can only pursue what’s out there,” the insider concluded.
