Lakers get good news on top $112 million trade target

The Los Angeles Lakers acquired well-known three-point sharpshooter Luke Kennard before the Feb. 5 deadline, but he wasn’t the franchise’s No. 1 priority. 

It’s well documented that the Lakers wanted to acquire the New Orleans Pelicans’ standout 6-foot-8 wing, who’s dangerous on both ends of the floor. Luckily for Los Angeles, it appears it’ll be able to pursue him once the 2026 offseason begins.

“After inquiring multiple times before the deadline, the Lakers and (Golden State) Warriors plan to once again pursue Trey Murphy III as a top trade target this summer,” Forbes’ Evan Sidery wrote Friday.

“The Pelicans are reluctant to move Murphy without receiving an offer featuring plenty of draft capital and premier prospects.”

There’s a reason why Murphy was a prized asset on the trade market this season. Not only has the Virginia product continued to elevate his scoring, but he’s also remained consistent as a three-point shooter and forced opponents to respect his defensive versatility/instincts.

Murphy is averaging 22.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, shooting 47.6% from the field and 37.8% from beyond the arc with the Pelicans this season. 

In other words, Murphy was the perfect three-and-D wing for the Lakers this year, explaining why the 17-time NBA champions hoped to pry him from New Orleans. Once again, though, the good news is the Lakers will get another crack at it in a few months.

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