The Los Angeles Lakers will open the NBA regular season on Tuesday night at home against the Golden State Warriors.
Their preseason didn’t inspire much confidence; they went 1-5, one of the worst records in the league, ahead of only the winless Miami Heat.
LeBron James’ absence due to sciatica derailed much of their preparation, forcing the team to reshuffle rotations and operate without its anchor. Even R.J. Davis, one of the few bright spots, lost his spot because of roster limits.
While the arrival of the regular season also brings a clean slate, the front office still faces mounting pressure to keep the Lakers in contention.
With questions still lingering about the roster, one potential solution could be a trade for a proven two-way guard who can plug several of their current holes at once.
THIS IS A PREDICTION, NOT A REPORT.
More NBA Content from TWSN
The Chicago Bulls Will be a Top-5 Team in the Eastern Conference
Does Joel Embiid Make Sense For 76ers Anymore?
The New York Knicks Will Have The Easiest Road To The Finals In NBA History
Dejounte Murray to the Lakers: Potential Trade IdeaÂ
Lakers Receive: Dejounte Murray
Pelicans Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura
This trade could immediately balance the Lakers’ roster, bringing in a guard who adds defense, playmaking, and leadership, while the Pelicans gain two young, reliable contributors with long-term potential.
Why Dejounte Murray Fits the Lakers
Dejounte Murray is one of the NBA’s most complete guards. During the 2024-25 season with the New Orleans Pelicans, he posted 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and .02 steals per game before a torn Achilles cut his season short.
Even after enduring major injuries, including an earlier ACL tear, he continues to prove his toughness and value as a player that any contender would want.
Standing 6’5″ with a long wingspan, Murray uses his length and instincts to impact games defensively. He can defend just about any guard on the floor, disrupts passing lanes, and pressures opposing ball-handlers, which are areas the Lakers have struggled with since their 2020 title run.
His defensive awareness and communication would complement interior defenders like Deandre Ayton.
On offense, Murray plays within the flow of the game. He runs the floor, creates mid-range shots, and spaces the floor with improved outside shooting. His 38.6% from three last season was a career best.
Next to LeBron James and Luka Doncic, he could thrive as a secondary creator and off-ball scorer, easing the playmaking burden on both stars.
What the Pelicans Would Gain
Trading Murray would allow the New Orleans Pelicans to focus on flexibility and player development. In exchange, they’d bring in two proven contributors who can make an immediate impact.
Austin Reaves has quickly established himself as one of the league’s most effective guards. He averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, and 4.5 rebounds last season while shooting 46% from the field and 37% from three.
His ability to create offense, control tempo, and deliver under pressure has turned him into one of the Lakers’ most dependable players.
While Reaves isn’t always consistent defensively, his offensive skill set and efficiency make him an ideal fit for the Pelicans’ backcourt, especially as they invest in younger talent.
Rui Hachimura adds a scoring punch, size, and versatility. He averaged 13.1 points and 5 rebounds on 50.9% shooting and an impressive 41.3% from deep.
His ability to stretch defenses and exploit mismatches makes him valuable at both forward spots. Hachimura has also shown composure in the playoffs, proving he can contribute when the stakes rise.
By adding Reaves and Hachimura, New Orleans would secure two dependable players who can either anchor a rebuild or blend seamlessly into a retooled roster.
Why This Trade Works for Both Teams
The Lakers would finally get the defensive guard they’ve been missing by trading for Murray. His two-way game would steady their backcourt and ease the load on both James and Doncic.
Since Murray can play off the ball, yet still create when needed, he’d solve one of the biggest gaps the Lakers have faced in recent years.
Losing Reaves and Hachimura would sting; both are reliable rotation players with strong chemistry, but the Lakers would gain major upgrades in perimeter defense, playmaking, and leadership, all of which could move them closer to real title contention.
For the Pelicans, the deal makes sense if they’re shifting toward long-term flexibility. Reaves and Hachimura are still developing and could grow into core players.
The move would also give the front office financial breathing room and the freedom to make future roster adjustments without Murray’s heavy contract or lingering injury concerns.