Dejounte Murray Scouting Report: Is he an Upgrade for the Lakers over D'Angelo Russell?

The Lakers have a big decision coming. They are, by most reports, the frontrunners to acquire Atlanta guard Dejounte Murray. The 27 year old is enjoying arguably his best season as a pro, averaging over 21 points a game, on 47.1% shooting and 39% from beyond the arc (both career highs). Reputationally, at least, Murray is a solid defender. No question in his first few years in the league, he built a high end reputation on that side of the ball. So would he improve the Lakers, should the rumored deal (D'Angelo Russell, a draft pick, and perhaps an addition like Jalen Hood-Schifino) go through? We talked about it with Brad Rowland, host of Locked On Hawks. He's done the hard work of watching Atlanta basketball, and therefore has a front row seat into the Murray experience. What does he do well? How pure a point guard is he? Where do the points come from? Is the outside shooting a mirage, or something sustainable? What about on the other end? Is his reputation as a defender still deserved? Where has he fallen off in Atlanta, and could it be restored playing higher leverage games with a team trying to compete? The reasons for making a deal extend beyond this year's team. If the Lakers really like Murray and see him as a potentially foundational piece, acquiring him now makes sense. But would it be smarter to hold on to assets into the summer, when bigger trades might be had? You can only trade players/picks once, after all. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Scouting Dejounte Murray with Brad Rowland. Looking at his offense. SEGMENT 2: What about the defense? SEGMENT 3: Reaction. What is appealing, what not so much, about the prospect of a Murray trade? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Grammarly When it comes to writing, Grammarly is there to support you from start to finish. With one click, you can easily and easily brainstorm, rewrite, and reply with suggestions based on your context and goals. Go to grammarly.com/PODCAST to download for FREE today.  Hungryroot Hungryroot is the easiest way to get fresh, high-quality food delivered to your door. They’ve got healthy groceries and simple recipes, all in one place. Just go to Hungryroot.com/LOCKEDON, to get 40% off your first delivery and get your free veggies.  LinkedIn LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA. Terms and conditions apply. eBay Motors For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit at eBayMotos.com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply. BetterHelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Make your brain your friend, with BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA today to get 10% off your first month. PrizePicks Go to PrizePicks.com/lockedonnba and use code lockedonnba for a first deposit match up to $100! Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. FanDuel Right now, NEW customers get ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY in BONUS BETS – GUARANTEED when you place a FIVE DOLLAR BET. Visit FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON to get started. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices