The Los Angeles Lakers have reshaped their roster around superstars Luka Dončić and LeBron James this offseason, adding size and backcourt versatility. Still, questions remain about their wing defense and 3-point shooting with Fadeaway World’s Siddhant Gupta forecasting another all-in move to shore up their biggest weakness.
The Lakers were active in free agency, signing big man Deandre Ayton to fill their starting center void, along with veteran two-way guard Marcus Smart and connective forward Jake LaRavia. However, they also lost their best perimeter defender, seasoned 3-and-D wing Dorian Finney-Smith, to the Houston Rockets, and have since struggled to find a suitable replacement.
As a result, LA’s projected starting lineup for the 2025-26 campaign, featuring Dončić, James, Ayton, shooting guard Austin Reaves, and forward Rui Hachimura, is largely void of defense. Fortunately for the Purple and Gold, it may still have the necessary trade ammunition to solve the conundrum.
NBA Analyst Floats Splashy Trey Murphy III-to-Lakers Trade Proposal
On Friday, Gupta outlined “three aggressive trade scenarios” that could aid LA’s 2026 title push. One scenario featured the aspiring Western Conference contender parting with a starter, their highest-profile prospect, and future draft capital to land New Orleans Pelicans rising star forward Trey Murphy III.
Proposed Deal
Lakers Receive: Trey Murphy III
Pelicans Receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, 2031 first-round pick
According to the analyst, Murphy, fresh off a breakout fourth season, would fulfill the Lakers’ need for a “talented wing” with an all-around repertoire.
“In a more significant role for New Orleans last season, the 25-year-old showcased a lot of potential as a two-way player, demonstrating solid contributions on both ends of the floor.”
“With an average of 21.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game on 45.4% shooting overall and 36.1% shooting from 3-point range, Murphy presented himself as a versatile offensive player and a capable wing defender.
“When considering his physical tools and athleticism that complement his skill set, the forward could prove to be an upgrade over Hachimura, while simultaneously slotting in next to Dončić and James.”
Murphy is entering Year 1 of his four-year, $112,000,000 contract extension, a deal many labeled a bargain. As such, he should be a relatively safe trade target, provided he fully recovers after undergoing surgery on Mar. 26 to repair his torn labrum in his right shoulder.
Lakers Would Likely Need To Sweeten Their Offer for Murphy To Pique Pelicans’ Interest
While LA would likely jump at the chance to land a wing of Murphy’s caliber without relinquishing one of its top players, New Orleans has been reluctant to entertain offers for him.
In mid-June, ClutchPoints’ Chris Dodson reported that the Pelicans’ “starting point” in negotiations was “a serviceable veteran who can log postseason minutes, a decent prospect, and multiple first-round picks.”
Additionally, NBA insider Jake Fischer shared late last month that they “have batted away calls for [Murphy], valuing him highly.”
Given the consistent reporting on Murphy’s rising stock, New Orleans appears far more inclined to hold onto him as it seeks to bounce back from last season’s injury-plagued 21-win finish. The 2021 No. 17 pick remains a strong fit on the franchise’s revamped Zion Williamson-led roster, now anchored by Jordan Poole in the backcourt.
If the Pelicans do opt to sell high on Murphy, the Lakers’ hypothetical offer would likely be beaten out by several other teams in the market for his in-demand skill set.
