As far as NBA teams go, the Los Angeles Lakers may have the richest history. Recently, it feels like there’s some trouble in paradise. It’s being reported that LeBron James’ frustration with head coach Darvin Ham is beginning to boil over.
To be sure, it’s been an underwhelming season for the Lakers. Is that Ham’s fault? This roster feels half-baked. After James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers are light on needle movers. This team didn’t do enough to assemble a strong supporting cast during the offseason.
In other words, the Lakers could make a trade. This team has several needs. More than anything, they could use another player who can create offense.
How about Collin Sexton of the Utah Jazz?
NBA Trade Proposal: Los Angeles Lakers Land Utah Jazz’s Collin Sexton
Utah Jazz Receive: F Rui Hachimura, F/C Jaxson Hayes
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Collin Sexton
By contrast, the Utah Jazz have an exciting history. If you’re a younger fan, you may have asked yourself why they’re called the Jazz. After all, it’s not a music genre typically associated with Salt Lake City.
It is associated with New Orleans. That’s where the franchise started in the 1970s. From that moment, the Jazz have typically been a competitive team. We’ve seen several successful iterations of Utah – and New Orleans – Jazz basketball.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
On the other hand, we haven’t seen an NBA championship in this franchise’s history. The Jazz got close in the 90s but couldn’t overtake Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.
Does this deal get them closer to that goal?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
In simple terms, the Jazz prioritize Keyonte George over Taylor Hendricks here. This team ought to be taking stock of their future. If they are, they may see that they need a 25-year-old wing more than a 25-year-old guard.
So, we’re not concerned about Utah’s crowded frontcourt. This team doesn’t see John Collins as part of their future. They’re likely to move Kelly Olynyk. Even if they commit to Lauri Markkanen, a wing rotation of him, Hendricks, and Hachimura can be sustainable in the long term.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
In the meantime, Hachimura is a solid defender who can create his looks from midrange. Moving Sexton also opens up more opportunities for George, who’s having a sensational rookie season.
Should the Lakers help the Jazz balance their roster?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
The Lakers need some roster balancing in their own right. At times, James and D’Angelo Russell appear to be at odds. Russell is at his best when he’s operating the pick-and-roll, and taking the ball out of James’ hands is typically a bad idea.
On the other hand, Sexton has more off-ball value. He’s a solid cutter and a capable floor spacer. More broadly, he provides an edge as a purer scorer that the Lakers don’t have in Russell.
That doesn’t mean the Lakers should trade Russell. This deal will likely push Gabe Vincent out of the rotation.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Collin Sexton, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers Updates
In Hachimura’s absence, the Lakers must rely on Taurean Prince and Jarred Vanderbilt more often. That’s worth the price of adding Sexton. Hopefully, that will restore some order in this storied franchise.
