Despite the Lakers’ recent hot streak—beating the OKC Thunder and Dallas Mavericks earlier this week—the team still believes there’s room for growth. It’s the right mindset to have with their 21-21 record (10th in the West) and the fact they’re three games behind the sixth-seeded Kings.
Prior to the Dallas game, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin revealed the Lakers are actively searching for backup point guards ahead of the 2024 deadline.
Pregame @SportsCenter hit with @KevinNegandhi on the Lakers’ current starting lineup iteration. Plus a couple of names they could target in trades – and another name that they likely won’t pic.twitter.com/4y25TMCO3o
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 18, 2024
NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Looking for Point Guard Help
Colin Sexton
Fifth-year guard Collin Sexton is thriving off the bench for Utah. He’s averaging nearly 17 points and four assists while shooting 49% from the field and 37% from three. Sexton has started the last 18 games for head coach Will Hardy, helping the Jazz go 14-4 in that span and catapult into a Play-in spot. He averaged 21.7 points and 4.7 assists per game through those contests. Sexton also scored a season-high 30 points (11/17 FG, 4/5 3PT, 4/4 FT) against the Pacers on Sunday. It capped off an impressive four-game stretch of scoring 20 or more points.
Jazz beat writer Andy Larsen touched on Sexton’s “elite level of play” in a recent article, highlighting the Young Bull’s efficiency, speed and work ethic as key points towards his success. Sexton’s teammates, notably star forward Lauri Markkanen, have begun to take note of it as well:
“Collin’s been playing really well, at a high level. He’s really picking his spots, when to attack, when to facilitate, and when to slow down and when to use his speed. I think he’s playing [at] a really high level right now and we need him to keep it up.”
Sexton has proven he can bring offensive firepower in any capacity. He’s able to both score and facilitate at a high level, adding to his versatility as a 6-foot-3 combo guard. He also holds his own defensively, averaging 0.7 steals per game. His recent stretch of success has clearly done wonders for the Jazz, and there’s a chance rival GMs could be looking for his services soon.
Tyus Jones
Tyus Jones has stood out despite being in an abysmal situation. The 6-foot-1 floor general is averaging 12.8 points and 5.6 assists on an efficient 52% shooting from the field and 42% from distance. He’s a key player for a lowly Wizards team, who stand at 7-32 in the East—a mere three wins ahead of the Pistons.
Jones has performed relatively well as a starter, a breath of fresh air compared to his reserve role over the years. He had double-digit performances in 29 of the 39 games he’s played, and recorded a triple double (13 points, 11 assists, 11 rebounds) against the Pacers in December.
Jones grew comfortable after playing backup to other standout facilitators—Ricky Rubio, Jeff Teague and Ja Morant—and stepping up in their absences. He’s embraced his newest opportunity in D.C., telling NBA.com:
“Changing teams is probably the most difficult and challenging for a point guard, but I’m adjusting… Each game, each week, I’m continuing to get more familiar with the system, with what coach wants, with the chemistry — continuing to build that every day with my teammates.”
Like Sexton, Jones’ increased level of play has turned heads around the league. He’s scoring on incredible efficiency and making the most of his opportunities. And despite his size, Jones has put in the work on defense. He recorded two steals and two blocks in his aforementioned triple double, and is averaging 1.2 swipes and 0.3 swats per game this season. He’s the perfect addition to any contender, and it makes sense if some want to put him in a better situation come February.
Are These Realistic Targets for the Lakers?
Both Sexton and Jones are more realistic names for the Lakers to monitor, especially considering they likely won’t land Zach LaVine. Either of them would bring efficiency and energy to the Lakers’ bench and take the pressure off of LA’s main sources of offense: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves.
As McMenamin mentioned, Collin Sexton’s Klutch connection makes the Lakers a reasonable destination. They have three players (James, Davis, and Jarred Vanderbilt) represented by Rich Paul. Given Sexton’s blend of scoring and toughness, he would fit well under Darvin Ham’s system. Additionally, he’s making around $18 million and has three years left on his contract. At 25 and showing impressive signs of growth, Sexton may be one of the top targets to boost LA’s bench.
Jones, despite his promotion, also fits the bill as a trade target for the Lakers. The team’s shooting woes have been mentioned time and again, and, needless to say, he could erase those in a heartbeat. Jones may not have the size advantage compared to the rest of LA’s guards. However, he embodies the “heart over height” mantra, and has proven he can work well next to some of the league’s top talents. The fact that he’s on a $14 million expiring salary also helps the Lakers, who will certainly need the cap flexibility heading into an uncertain summer.
The asking price for these two is yet to be determined, but the Lakers will have to construct an offer from their limited assets: one of D’Angelo Russell or Gabe Vincent (both making north of $10 million), a veteran minimum contract and some draft capital. They have shown they’re a trade away from getting back into contention, and acquiring one of these guards certainly helps their chances.
