The Pelicans have failed to make it past the first round since 2018, and they will look for a deep playoff run in the mighty Western Conference. It will be the challenge of a lifetime, but the Pelicans improved mightily this offseason by acquiring All-Star point guard Dejounte Murray.

The Los Angeles Lakers were interested in trading for Dejounte Murray, but there's a reason why it never came to fruition.

NBA insider Brian Windhorst says that one part of the Lakers' trade negotiations prevented them from reaching a deal to land Dejounte Murray.