{"id":61649,"date":"2024-01-18T09:55:11","date_gmt":"2024-01-18T14:55:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=61649"},"modified":"2024-01-18T09:55:11","modified_gmt":"2024-01-18T14:55:11","slug":"nba-trade-rumors-lakers-looking-for-point-guard-help","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/01\/18\/nba-trade-rumors-lakers-looking-for-point-guard-help\/","title":{"rendered":"NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Looking for Point Guard Help"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite the Lakers\u2019 recent hot streak\u2014beating the OKC Thunder and Dallas Mavericks earlier this week\u2014the team still believes there\u2019s room for growth. It\u2019s the right mindset to have with their 21-21 record (10th in the West) and the fact they\u2019re three games behind the sixth-seeded Kings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prior to the Dallas game, ESPN&#8217;s Dave McMenamin revealed the Lakers are actively searching for backup point guards ahead of the 2024 deadline.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Pregame <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SportsCenter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@SportsCenter<\/a> hit with <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/KevinNegandhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@KevinNegandhi<\/a> on the Lakers\u2019 current starting lineup iteration. Plus a couple of names they could target in trades &#8211; and another name that they likely won\u2019t <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/4y25TMCO3o\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/4y25TMCO3o<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Dave McMenamin (@mcten) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/mcten\/status\/1747800475045699656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">January 18, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2><b>NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers Looking for Point Guard Help<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Colin Sexton<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fifth-year guard\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/sextoco01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Collin Sexton<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is thriving off the bench for Utah. He\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jazz beat writer Andy Larsen touched on Sexton\u2019s \u201celite level of play\u201d in a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sltrib.com\/sports\/jazz\/2024\/01\/13\/collin-sexton-has-been-one-nbas-10\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">recent article<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, highlighting the Young Bull\u2019s efficiency, speed and work ethic as key points towards his success. Sexton\u2019s teammates, notably star forward <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/markkla01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Lauri Markkanen<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, have begun to take note of it as well:<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201c<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Collin\u2019s been playing really well, at a high level. He\u2019s really picking his spots, when to attack, when to facilitate, and when to slow down and when to use his speed. I think he\u2019s playing [at] a really high level right now and we need him to keep it up.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sexton has proven he can bring offensive firepower in any capacity. He\u2019s 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\u2019s a chance rival GMs could be looking for his services soon.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Tyus Jones<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jonesty01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Tyus Jones<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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\u2019s a key player for a lowly Wizards team, who stand at 7-32 in the East\u2014a mere three wins ahead of the Pistons.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019s played, and recorded a triple double (13 points, 11 assists, 11 rebounds) against the Pacers in December.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jones grew comfortable after playing backup to other standout facilitators\u2014<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/rubiori01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Ricky Rubio<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/teaguje01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Jeff Teague<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/moranja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Ja Morant<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014and stepping up in their absences. He\u2019s embraced his newest opportunity in D.C., <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/wizards\/news\/tyus-jones-is-bringing-stability-creation-and-floaters-to-the-washington-wizards-offense\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">telling NBA.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cChanging teams is probably the most difficult and challenging for a point guard, but I&#8217;m adjusting&#8230; Each game, each week, I&#8217;m continuing to get more familiar with the system, with what coach wants, with the chemistry &#8212; continuing to build that every day with my teammates.\u201d<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like Sexton, Jones\u2019 increased level of play has turned heads around the league. He\u2019s 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 \u00a0aforementioned triple double, and is averaging 1.2 swipes and 0.3 swats per game this season. He\u2019s the perfect addition to any contender, and it makes sense if some want to put him in a better situation come February.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Are These Realistic Targets for the Lakers?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both Sexton and Jones are more realistic names for the Lakers to monitor, especially considering they likely won\u2019t land <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/lavinza01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Zach LaVine<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Either of them would bring efficiency and energy to the Lakers\u2019 bench and take the pressure off of LA\u2019s main sources of offense: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jamesle01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>LeBron James<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/davisan02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Anthony Davis<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/russeda01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>D\u2019Angelo Russell<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/reaveau01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Austin Reaves<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As McMenamin mentioned, Collin Sexton\u2019s Klutch connection makes the Lakers a reasonable destination. They have three players (James, Davis, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/v\/vandeja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Jarred Vanderbilt<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) represented by Rich Paul. Given Sexton\u2019s blend of scoring and toughness, he would fit well under Darvin Ham\u2019s system. Additionally, he\u2019s 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\u2019s bench.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jones, despite his promotion, also fits the bill as a trade target for the Lakers. The team\u2019s 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\u2019s guards. However, he embodies the \u201cheart over height\u201d mantra, and has proven he can work well next to some of the league\u2019s top talents. The fact that he\u2019s on a $14 million expiring salary also helps the Lakers, who will certainly need the cap flexibility heading into an uncertain summer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/russeda01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>D\u2019Angelo Russell<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/v\/vincega01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Gabe Vincent<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (both making north of $10 million), a veteran minimum contract and some draft capital. They have shown they\u2019re a trade away from getting back into contention, and acquiring one of these guards certainly helps their chances.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Despite the Lakers\u2019 recent hot streak\u2014beating the OKC Thunder and Dallas Mavericks earlier this week\u2014the team still believes there\u2019s room for growth. It\u2019s the right mindset to have with their 21-21 record (10th in the West) and the fact they\u2019re three games behind the sixth-seeded Kings. Prior to the Dallas game, ESPN&#8217;s Dave McMenamin revealed [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4265,"featured_media":61653,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1608,2,26,62,3,4721],"tags":[240,4556,1594,307,4921,38,4774,569],"class_list":["post-61649","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basketball","category-featured","category-lakers","category-nba","category-news","category-trade-rumors","tag-anthony-davis","tag-austin-reaves","tag-collin-sexton","tag-dangelo-russell","tag-gabe-vincent","tag-lebron-james","tag-rumors","tag-tyus-jones"],"modified_by":"Jordan Pagkalinawan","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61649","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4265"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=61649"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/61649\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/61653"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=61649"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=61649"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=61649"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}