Lakers land star guard in new trade proposed by ESPN

LA’s window of contention with this current roster could be slamming shut at any second, but ESPN has proposed a way to keep it cracked open for at least one more season.

You probably are simply hoping that the Lakers nab an impressive rookie at No. 17 overall and then take Bronny James to keep LeBron in town.

But that’s not exactly how ESPN’s Kevin Pelton has it going down in his best-case scenario.

Proposed Lakers Trade for Dejounte Murray

Dejounte Murray is coming off a stellar season with Atlanta, and he could be the missing piece for the Lakers this season. LA was linked to him at the NBA Trade Deadline this past season, and now could be the perfect time to make it happen.

But how could they acquire the 27-year-old rising star?

It would be pricey, according to Pelton.

Lakers Trade: D’Angelo Russell (assuming he opts into his player option), the No. 17 overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, and 2029 and 2031 first-round picks

Hawks Trade: Dejounte Murray

Of course, this doesn’t mean much if the Lakers don’t select Bronny James and LeBron doesn’t stay.

But if that does happen, this could be an interesting squad.

Lakers Starting Lineup with Murray

PG: Dejounte Murray

SG: Austin Reaves

SF: LeBron James

PF: Rui Hachimura

C: Anthony Davis

That’s not a bad lineup, especially when you also consider that Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood and Jarred Vanderbilt are all quality bench players.

We’ll see if a trade for Murray – or any other impact player – materializes in the coming days with the NBA Draft beginning at 8 p.m. EST on June 26.