The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to have a busy offseason this summer. After recently hiring JJ Redick to be their next head coach, there are still many decisions the team must make. In addition to needing to re-sign LeBron James (and potentially draft his son, Bronny), the Lakers are reportedly eying a third star to add to the roster. In the past, the Lakers were linked to big names like Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, and Chris Paul. However, according to Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo of ESPN, the Lakers may have interest in Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton.
“The Lakers likely will explore the trade market to see what type of veterans they can add to give LeBron James, Anthony Davis and new coach J.J. Redick the best chance of competing this season, with NBA names such as Dejounte Murray and Collin Sexton being batted around by rival teams as possible targets.”
Although Sexton is not necessarily a star, he is coming off his best season in a while. In his second season with the Jazz, the 25-year-old averaged 18.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. Additionally, he shot 48.7% from the field and 39.4% from the three-point line.
Los Angeles Lakers Linked to Former Lottery Pick
Utah Jazz Are Open for Business
In addition to Sexton, the Jazz have reportedly made Jordan Clarkson available for trade, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
“There’s also a belief from rival executives who spoke with HoopsHype that guards Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson could become available on the trade market.”
Additionally, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Jazz are open to trading big man Walker Kessler.
“Rival teams believe Utah is willing to engage in trade talks that would part ways with Jazz second-year center Walker Kessler.”
Last season, the Jazz finished with a 31-51 record and finished as the No. 12 seed in the Western Conference. This was a six-game dropoff from the 2022-23 season. During the season, the Jazz moved on from Kelly Olynyk and Simone Fontecchio. It seems evident that the Jazz are willing to make whatever move they need to in order to build the best team possible under head coach Will Hardy.
Collin Sexton is a potential trade target for the Lakers, per @DraftExpress
“The Lakers likely will explore the trade market to see what type of veterans they can add to give LeBron James, Anthony Davis and new coach J.J. Redick the best chance of competing this season, with… pic.twitter.com/raFKh0QY9B
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 24, 2024
The Last Word on Collin Sexton
Sexton is a fantastic guard who makes his presence felt on both sides of the ball. He is a high-energy player and provides a boost on the court. Although he is not a great defender, Sexton has improved and hustles on the defensive side. His game is mostly offensive-centric, which could help the Lakers get back in the title picture. On a team like the Lakers, Sexton would not be the third option at best. For someone of his playstyle, that may be ideal for him.
