The Los Angeles Lakers finally decided on their next head coach, reportedly hiring former NBA guard JJ Redick to take over for former coach Darvin Ham. Redick has been hosting a regular basketball podcast for years and has been a broadcaster for the league as well. He has been around the NBA since he retired a few years ago, giving him some credibility when it comes to how he wants to build out a roster.
Redick will surely have some say in what the Lakers do this offseason with one of the biggest questions being what direction the team will go.
Los Angeles could go down the three-star route this summer or they could build stronger depth around aging All-Stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. While it may make sense for the Lakers to go the depth route, Los Angeles will never say no to star-hunting.
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According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Los Angeles could end up circling back to a name that they heavily pursued during this past trade deadline. Charania appeared on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show” to discuss the Lakers’ future plans.
“One name that they did pursue last year at the trade deadline, that teams expect to come again, is Dejounte Murray. That’s someone you think in the next week or so – what will the Hawks do with the No. 1 pick – they have a decision to make with Trae/Murray. The Lakers have maintained a level of interest in Murray,” Charania said.
The Atlanta Hawks will be one of the more active teams around the NBA this offseason, with both Murray and guard Trae Young potentially being available. Atlanta could go down the rebuild path this offseason which would open the door for both players to be moved. The Hawks and Lakers got close to a Murray deal at the trade deadline so it would make sense for them to reengage those talks. Murray could give the Lakers a strong third-star candidate to work with, while not paying him a heavy salary that most other stars hold.
Murray is scheduled to make $25 million this season and is under contract for four more years, including a player option in the final season.
His ability to play off the ball and be a good enough defender could vastly help Los Angeles take that next step forward. He would also provide the Lakers with an option to pair with Davis once James does retire in the next few years. Last season with Atlanta, Murray averaged 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 6.4 assists over 78 games. If the Lakers do make a move for Murray, it could help set them up for success for years to come.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.