🚨 BREAKING NEWS: Los Angeles Lakers are predicted to outbid the Golden State Warriors for a $112M 3-and-D menace to keep both Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves happy — but is this bold move genius roster building or a risky overpay waiting to backfire? 👀 Reports hint the front office is all-in on maximizing their stars’ window, so who actually needs this deal more?

Lakers Predicted to Outbid Warriors for $112M 3-and-D Star Trey Murphy III to Fit Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves

The Los Angeles Lakers are widely expected to have an aggressive offseason. After a dramatic NBA trade deadline filled with blockbuster movement, attention has quickly shifted toward summer targets — and one name continues to surface at the top of Los Angeles’ wishlist: Trey Murphy III.

The $112 million 3-and-D wing has become one of the league’s most coveted young perimeter players, and both the Lakers and the Golden State Warriors are reportedly preparing for a potential bidding war.

With Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves forming a dynamic backcourt core in Los Angeles, the addition of an elite floor-spacing defender like Murphy could dramatically elevate the Lakers’ championship ceiling.

Warriors Remain Interested Despite Roster Shakeups

According to NBA reporter Evan Sidery, Golden State continues to view Murphy as a dream acquisition — even after navigating major roster adversity, including Jimmy Butler’s torn ACL.

“The Warriors continue to covet Trey Murphy III as their dream trade deadline target,” Sidery wrote. “Even after Jimmy Butler’s torn ACL, Golden State would love to add Murphy into their core.”

Golden State reportedly has a compelling trade package available, potentially including:

Jonathan Kuminga
Brandin Podziemski
Multiple first-round draft picks

The Warriors’ asset pool gives them flexibility. However, the Lakers may hold a more compelling basketball pitch — especially from a system-fit standpoint.

Lakers Expected to Pursue Murphy Aggressively

The Lakers were also active in trade discussions for Murphy prior to the deadline and are expected to revisit negotiations this summer.

“After inquiring multiple times before the deadline, the Lakers and Warriors plan to once again pursue Trey Murphy III as a top trade target this summer,” Sidery reported.

The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly reluctant to move Murphy without a significant return featuring premium draft capital and high-upside prospects. That high asking price signals just how valuable Murphy has become across the league.

But for Los Angeles, the pursuit goes beyond talent acquisition — it’s about optimizing their offensive ecosystem around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.

Why Trey Murphy III Is the Perfect 3-and-D Fit for the Lakers

Selling Murphy as a fit in Los Angeles requires little imagination.

At 6-foot-8 with length, defensive versatility, and elite shooting mechanics, Murphy embodies the modern NBA wing archetype. He is currently shooting 37.8% from three-point range this season and holds a career average of 38.2% from beyond the arc.

For a Lakers team that has craved perimeter shooting all season, those numbers are significant.

Lake Show Life’s Svyatoslav Rovenchuk summarized the appeal:

“You can probably hear Luka Dončić screaming ‘yes please’ off in the distance somewhere.”

The reasoning is simple. Dončić thrives when surrounded by:

Spot-up shooters
Secondary cutters
Switchable defenders
Wings who don’t require high usage

Murphy checks every box.

His ability to space the floor forces defenses to stay attached, creating wider driving lanes for Dončić and Reaves. Additionally, Murphy’s off-ball movement allows him to thrive without dominating possessions — an essential trait on a team built around ball-dominant creators.

Lakers’ Offensive Needs Make Murphy a Priority

Throughout the season, the Lakers have struggled with consistent perimeter spacing. Opposing defenses have often loaded the paint, daring Los Angeles to beat them from deep.

Adding Murphy would:

Improve catch-and-shoot efficiency
Increase transition three-point threats
Enhance weak-side shot creation
Strengthen defensive matchups against elite wings

In high-leverage playoff scenarios, reliable 3-and-D wings are invaluable. Teams that space the floor while maintaining defensive integrity tend to advance deep into May and June.

Murphy’s contract value — projected at $112 million — reflects that reality. Elite two-way wings in their mid-20s rarely become available.

Warriors vs. Lakers: Who Has the Edge?

From an asset perspective, Golden State’s offer may appear stronger on paper due to draft capital flexibility. However, team context matters.

The Lakers can offer Murphy:

A featured role in a championship-oriented system
Heavy minutes alongside one of the NBA’s most creative passers in Dončić
Exposure in a global market

Additionally, Los Angeles is reportedly determined to reshape its roster aggressively this summer. Internal belief suggests the front office is prepared to make bold moves to maximize Dončić’s prime window.

Golden State, while still competitive, faces long-term roster uncertainty and financial constraints.

That context could shift leverage toward Los Angeles.

The Tony Bennett Connection Adds Intrigue

Another compelling layer to the Lakers’ pursuit is the recent hiring of Tony Bennett.

Bennett coached Murphy at the University of Virginia, where Murphy developed into a disciplined two-way prospect. Familiarity with Murphy’s work ethic, system intelligence, and developmental trajectory could give Los Angeles added confidence in pursuing him.

Coaching connections often matter more than public perception suggests. Trust, communication, and system alignment can accelerate transitions.

If Bennett advocates internally for Murphy, it could strengthen the Lakers’ resolve.

Financial and Strategic Implications

A move for Murphy would not only satisfy roster needs but signal strategic clarity.

The Lakers appear committed to building around:

Luka Dončić as primary engine
Austin Reaves as secondary creator
Versatile wings who stretch defenses
Rim-running, defense-first bigs

Murphy fits squarely into that blueprint.

By contrast, failing to land him could force the Lakers to pivot toward less ideal alternatives, potentially sacrificing defensive versatility or shooting efficiency.

The financial commitment — $112 million — underscores how highly the league values premium 3-and-D players. Wings who defend multiple positions while shooting near 40% from three are among the most expensive archetypes in today’s NBA.

What This Means for the Lakers’ Offseason

There is growing belief within league circles that the Lakers’ upcoming offseason will be one of their most aggressive in recent memory.

Acquiring Trey Murphy III would:

Validate their commitment to Dončić
Address long-standing shooting deficiencies
Improve playoff versatility
Establish a clear stylistic direction

It would also send a message to the Western Conference: Los Angeles is not content with incremental upgrades.

Final Thoughts: A Defining Summer Ahead

The NBA trade deadline delivered drama, but the real fireworks may arrive this offseason.

The Lakers and Warriors appear poised for a high-stakes pursuit of Trey Murphy III — a player whose value extends far beyond box scores.

For Los Angeles, the fit feels almost seamless. An elite 3-and-D wing entering his prime, capable of spacing the floor for Luka Dončić and complementing Austin Reaves’ versatility, represents more than a roster addition.

It represents identity.

If the Lakers outbid Golden State and secure Murphy, it could redefine their championship trajectory. If they fall short, questions will linger about whether they did enough to maximize their generational playmaker.

Either way, one thing is clear: the Lakers’ offseason ambitions are just getting started.