There are a lot of trade rumors around Dejounte Murray these days. The Los Angeles Lakers’ current season paints a picture of a team struggling to find its rhythm. Despite the presence of superstars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ offense has been underwhelming.
Currently ranking 22nd in offensive rating and 19th in points per game, the team’s inefficiency is glaring. A critical issue lies in their stagnant offense, exacerbated by shooting slumps and a lack of consistent shooters, contributing to their poor floor spacing.
This is a stark contrast to their championship season in 2019-20, where James and Davis were the focal points, surrounded by capable shooters. The current roster’s design diverges significantly from this formula, leaning more toward players who create their shots. This shift is evident in the high number of touches for players like Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell, indicating a departure from the offense revolving predominantly around James and Davis.
However, this approach hasn’t translated to efficient scoring. The Lakers rank poorly in off-ball movements, scoring from off-screen opportunities, and put-back chances. The tendency of off-ball players to remain static, observing others hunt for shots, leads to a disjointed offensive play. The reliance on role players to create their shots, rather than on James’ proven playmaking, has resulted in an inconsistent and unreliable offense.
Addressing the Mid-Range Conundrum
Another aspect of the Lakers’ offensive woes is their inefficient mid-range shooting. Despite ranking eighth in the league for mid-range attempts, their field goal percentage in this area is disappointingly low. This inefficiency stems from forced attempts due to poor offensive schemes and lack of floor spacing, highlighting the need for a player who can reliably stretch the floor.
Dejounte Murray: A Misfit for the Los Angeles Lakers’ Needs?
With the trade deadline looming, the Lakers have been linked with Dejounte Murray, a former All-Star currently with the Atlanta Hawks. Murray’s stats are impressive, with averages of 20.8 points per game, 46.7% shooting from the field, and 38.6% from three-point range. However, a closer look raises doubts about his fit with the Lakers’ needs.
Murray is known for his mid-range game and isolation plays, similar to current Lakers players. His preference for creating his shots, evidenced by his high unassisted field goal rate, clashes with the Lakers’ need for an off-ball scorer to provide spacing.
While Murray’s three-point shooting this season is commendable, his high-usage style makes him an unlikely candidate to fulfill the role of a minimal-usage, floor-stretching player that the Los Angeles Lakers desperately need.
INSANE.
LeBron has played against 35% of all players in NBA history 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Xr6Qz7IExz
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 18, 2024
Defensive Concerns: Dejounte Murray’s Diminished Impact
The Lakers’ defense, particularly in the backcourt, has been a point of vulnerability, with neither Reaves nor Russell excelling as point-of-attack defenders. Murray, once known for his defensive prowess, has seen a decline in this area. As a primary defender, his opponents’ scoring rate is comparable to that of Reaves and Russell, indicating that his addition wouldn’t significantly bolster the Los Angeles Lakers’ backcourt defense.
A Risky Gamble for the Los Angeles Lakers
Given these factors, pursuing Murray seems like a risky gamble for the Los Angeles Lakers. His scoring ability, while notable, doesn’t align with the team’s current requirements.
The need for a low-usage player who can effectively space the floor is paramount, and Murray’s profile as a high-usage, score-first guard doesn’t fit this bill. This scenario is reminiscent of the Lakers’ previous experiment with Russell Westbrook, which did not yield the desired results.
The Way Forward: Seeking the Right Fit
As the trade deadline approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers must weigh their options carefully. The focus should be on acquiring a player who complements the existing roster and addresses the pressing need for efficient floor spacing and consistent shooting. The key lies in finding a balance that leverages the strengths of James and Davis while providing the necessary support through specialized role players.
In conclusion, while Dejounte Murray’s talents are undeniable, his skill set may not be the solution to the Los Angeles Lakers’ current challenges. The team’s pursuit should be directed towards players who can seamlessly integrate into their system, enhancing their offensive and defensive schemes. Only then can the Los Angeles Lakers hope to rediscover their winning formula and make a significant impact in the competitive playoff race.
