The Los Angeles Lakers are making moves, and the latest addition to their front office is turning heads. Thanks to the financial backing from Mark Walter, the Lakers have brought on Tony Bennett as their new NBA Draft Advisor. This strategic hire signals the franchise's commitment to strengthening their draft strategy and overall team development.
For those who might not know, Bennett has an impressive track record from his 18 years as a collegiate head coach, most notably with the Virginia Cavaliers. His tenure at Virginia saw 11 players make the leap to the NBA, with five of those players coming from his successful program. Among them is Trey Murphy III, a name that Lakers fans might recognize from past trade rumors.
Murphy, currently with the New Orleans Pelicans, has been a hot topic in trade discussions. Known for his sharpshooting skills, he’s been a coveted asset, though the Pelicans have set a high price. Should negotiations become more favorable, the Lakers might revisit the possibility of bringing Murphy to Los Angeles, especially with Bennett now on board.
Murphy would be a perfect fit for the Lakers, who have been in search of consistent shooting. With a 37.8 percent three-point shooting rate this season and a career average of 38.2 percent, Murphy's shooting prowess is undeniable.
His offensive game is not just limited to shooting, as evidenced by his career-high 22.1 points per game this season. His scoring ability would be a valuable addition to the Lakers' offensive lineup.
While Murphy may not be as defensively renowned as his Pelicans teammate Herb Jones, his athleticism and potential on defense could provide the Lakers with a much-needed boost. The real challenge lies in whether the Lakers can assemble enough draft capital and assets to entice the Pelicans into a trade.
With Bennett's arrival, the Lakers are in a unique position. While his role is to enhance their draft strategy, the potential reunion with Murphy could be an exciting prospect for both Bennett and the franchise. The Lakers have some first-round picks to play with, and if they can strike the right balance, it could lead to a promising new chapter for the team.