The Los Angeles Lakers have significantly improved their roster this summer. The additions of Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia have all plugged legitimate holes in the team’s rotation.
However, Rohan Brahmbhatt of ClutchPoints has pinpointed Dejounte Murray as someone who could be the final piece to the puzzle. Murray’s two-way play would significantly improve the Lakers‘ guard rotation.
The Lakers have long searched for backcourt stability to complement LeBron, cycling through guards from Russell Westbrook to D’Angelo Russell with mixed results,” Brahmbhatt wrote. Enter Dejounte Murray, whose situation in New Orleans is under constant watch around the league.
Brahmbhatt continued.
Murray brings something the Lakers desperately lack: a reliable two-way guard capable of pressuring the rim, creating offense in the halfcourt, and defending multiple positions.
Murray would undoubtedly give the Lakers roster a two-way threat. However, it’s unclear how he would perform next to Luka Doncic. He had a mixed spell with the Atlanta Hawks when tasked with splitting ball-handling duties with Trae Young. Murray’s perimeter shooting (34.4% on his career) isn’t at a level where he could be an elite catch-and-shoot threat.
Therefore, Murray’s fit may not be exactly what the Lakers need, unless his role is to lead the second unit, where he could certainly thrive.
LeBron James Speaks on Potential Retirement
Another reason to acquire Murray is that sooner or later, the Lakers will need to replace the ball-handling and playmaking LeBron James provides. And while Murray is nowhere near the same level of player, he is a high-level shot creator and playmaker.
James’ future in the NBA has been a discussion point all summer. He will turn 41 during the upcoming season. During a recent interview with “Complex,” James discussed the chatter surrounding the end of his career drawing closer.
“I‘m not hinting at anything,” James said. “Obviously, I know I’m on the other side of the hump, for sure. Come on now, I’m not about to play another 23 years, that’s for damn sure, and I’m not about to play another 10. I’m definitely gearing up to where the end is, I’m not there yet.”
LeBron Could Wait to Share Court With Son Bryce
An NBA executive who spoke with Lakers Daily’s Ashish Matur suggested that James could hold off on retirement to share the court with his son, Bryce James.
“I think LeBron plays one or two more seasons unless the Lakers win it all next year,” the executive said. “Bryce [James] will be eligible for the 2026 draft. There are some whispers that LeBron wants to play with him, too.”
The executive continued.
“We’ll see what happens, but I just can’t see LeBron retiring after next season. He’s still too good of a player to just walk away. Unless there’s a huge drop-off in his production or the Lakers win the championship, I think LeBron is playing in 2026-27.”
James is clearly keeping his cards close to his chest regarding his retirement plans. However, his current focus will undoubtedly be on helping the Lakers contend for a championship in the coming season. After that, maybe NBA fans will get an update on how much longer he intends to grace the league with his presence.
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