The Los Angeles Lakers have lengthy been linked to prime gamers on rebuilding groups. The Brooklyn Nets, New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards and Toronto Raptors are all thought of viable commerce companions.
Within the midst of their present 4-8 streak, the Lakers are determined to make a deal. All indicators level to them enhancing barely as an alternative of including a famous person, though returning to outdated experiences might trace at their future strikes.
Since final season (and even longer!), the Lakers have been linked to the rebuilding Utah Jazz. Lauri Markkanen, John Collins and Jordan Clarkson have all been talked about as doable Lakers commerce targets, however Collin Sexton, who was chosen eighth general by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018, might be one of the best candidate and is on their radar.
“Different names which have come up in discussions with crew and league personnel in latest weeks embody Utah’s Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton,” The Athletic’s Jovan Buha wrote Tuesday.
The Jazz entrance workplace is led by Danny Ainge, who is known for enjoying and managing the Boston Celtics. He would not appear keen to assist the Lakers of their title quest, however for the suitable worth, everybody on his roster is up for grabs.
The Lakers might provide D’Angelo Russell’s expiring contract together with the variety of draft picks Ainge calls for. This may increasingly look like an surprising transfer given the tensions between Ainge and the Lakers, however followers have been instructed to anticipate the surprising.
“The Lakers have had a historical past of secretly navigating the commerce market not too long ago,” Buha continued. “We are able to’t rule out that they make a commerce for a participant and/or with a crew that nobody sees coming.”
Sexton is averaging 16.3 factors this season on 42% taking pictures from deep to go together with 3.1 assists. He is a transparent improve on protection, and a backcourt consisting of him and Austin Reaves might present sufficient help for LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
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