Lakers Could Land Ideal Rui Hachimura Trade Piece Before Deadline

he Los Angeles Lakers are firmly in championship mode, and with the trade deadline approaching on February 5, the front office is evaluating upgrades that could strengthen the roster around Luka Dončić, LeBron James and Austin Reaves.

One possibility being discussed is a three-team trade centered on Rui Hachimura, allowing the Lakers to acquire Trey Murphy III, one of the NBA’s most promising young wings.

A market-opening scenario

The situation is driven in part by the standings. The New Orleans Pelicans sit at the bottom of the Western Conference, pushing them toward potential sell mode at the deadline. If the franchise leans further into long-term planning, Murphy could become available at the right price.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls are seeking a frontcourt upgrade next to rookie Matas Buzelis, and Hachimura would represent a playable, established option they could re-sign long term.

Proposed trade structure

A framework circulating in league discussion would look like:

📦 Lakers Receive

• Trey Murphy III
• Karlo Matkovic

📦 Pelicans Receive

• Kevin Huerter
• Maxi Kleber
• Two first-round picks
• Two first-round pick swaps
• 2032 second-round pick

📦 Bulls Receive

• Rui Hachimura

While complicated, the deal would help all three teams achieve different goals:

• Chicago gets its forward upgrade
• New Orleans receives significant draft capital and financial flexibility
• Los Angeles upgrades its wing talent

Why Trey Murphy is the perfect fit

Murphy has quietly become one of the most productive two-way wings in the league. This season, he is averaging:

• 20.3 points
• 6.3 rebounds
• 2.9 assists
• 1.8 steals
• On 47% shooting and 36.8% from deep

His size (6’8), defensive versatility and scoring efficiency make him an ideal running mate for Dončić and Reaves, not just this season but into the next decade. Murphy is also under contract through 2029, aligning perfectly with the Lakers’ long-term timeline.

Why Lakers would consider moving Hachimura

Hachimura has been productive, but the Lakers believe that title contention requires an upgrade at the wing, especially in terms of two-way playmaking and defensive versatility. If Los Angeles is giving up an established starter and premium draft assets, the return must be meaningful — and Murphy fits that requirement.

High risk, high reward

A move of this magnitude would:

• Cost the Lakers major draft capital
• Reshape the rotation immediately
• Potentially build a long-term core of Dončić, Reaves and Murphy

For a franchise already operating in win-now mode, it could be the swing that lifts Los Angeles from contender to favorite — if the front office decides the payoff is worth the price.