The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves at a crossroads in the 2024-25 NBA season.
With a record of 14-12, the team’s performance has fallen short of expectations, highlighting the need for roster improvements to compete at the highest level.
As the trade deadline approaches, rumors are swirling about potential moves to bolster the Lakers’ lineup.
One intriguing possibility involves a potential trade with the Utah Jazz.
Warriors Next Big NBA Trade Plan Leaked https://t.co/zpgF4cgGn3
— Game 7 (@game7__) December 16, 2024
The Lakers are reportedly eyeing Jazz players Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler in a deal that could see D’Angelo Russell and a throw-in like Jalen Hood-Schifino heading to Utah, per Fadeaway World.
Such a move could reshape the Lakers’ roster and potentially provide the spark needed to elevate their championship aspirations.
Why the Jazz Would Consider This Deal
The Utah Jazz find themselves in a rebuilding phase, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. With a 5-22 record, they’re clearly not positioned to compete for a playoff spot this season.
Trading away productive players like Collin Sexton could accelerate their rebuild in several ways:
- Draft capital: Acquiring future picks allows the Jazz to stock up on young talent
- Salary flexibility: Moving Sexton’s contract creates more financial wiggle room
- Player development: More minutes become available for younger prospects
Russell’s expiring contract is particularly appealing. The Jazz could evaluate him for the remainder of the season without any long-term commitment. If he impresses, they have the option to re-sign him. If not, his salary comes off the books.
Hood-Schifino represents another intriguing piece. Though raw, he has potential to grow into a solid rotational player with proper development. The Jazz’s current situation allows them to be patient and nurture young talent.
This type of deal aligns with Utah’s apparent strategy of accumulating assets and maintaining roster flexibility as they build for the future. Draft picks and promising prospects form the foundation of their rebuilding efforts.
Potential Benefits for the Lakers
The Lakers could significantly strengthen their roster by pursuing a trade for Sexton and Kessler. Sexton’s scoring prowess and efficient shooting would provide a much-needed boost to the backcourt. His near 50/40/90 shooting splits demonstrate elite efficiency that could elevate the Lakers’ offense.
Kessler’s addition would address a critical need for frontcourt depth. His shot-blocking ability and rebounding skills could take pressure off Anthony Davis defensively. This move would allow Davis to focus more on offense and potentially shift to his preferred power forward position.
A projected starting lineup featuring Sexton, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Davis, and Kessler looks formidable on paper. This combination of talent could vault the Lakers into the upper echelon of NBA teams, bolstering their playoff aspirations.
For Rob Pelinka and the front office, this trade represents a chance to capitalize on the team’s championship window. After moving on from Russell Westbrook, acquiring young, productive players like Sexton and Kessler could provide both immediate impact and long-term value.
The Lakers’ goal is clear – to contend for titles. This potential trade aligns with that mission by addressing key roster weaknesses and maximizing the talents of their superstars.
This Trade Could Benefit Both Teams
The Lakers and Jazz find themselves in intriguing positions as the trade deadline approaches. Russell‘s name has surfaced in trade talks, with the Jazz emerging as a potential destination. This deal could address needs for both sides.
For the Lakers, acquiring Sexton would provide a dynamic scoring threat in the backcourt. Sexton’s ability to create his own shot and space the floor could complement James and Davis effectively. The move would also signal the front office’s commitment to maximizing the championship window with their star duo.
The Jazz, meanwhile, could view Russell as a skilled facilitator to pair with their young core. His playmaking and outside shooting would fit well in Utah’s system. The potential inclusion of draft picks would also align with the Jazz’s rebuilding efforts.
Key considerations for this trade:
- Russell’s fit in Utah’s offense
- Sexton’s impact on Lakers’ spacing
- Draft compensation
- Salary matching
While trade discussions often remain fluid, this particular deal addresses clear needs for both franchises. The Lakers would bolster their backcourt scoring, while the Jazz would add a proven playmaker and future assets. As the deadline nears, both teams will need to weigh the potential risks and rewards carefully.
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
