While the Los Angeles Lakers have been active during the trade season, they shouldn’t be content with the acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith.
The organization could spice things up by landing an undervalued Utah Jazz duo.
“The Los Angeles Lakers are in a period of evaluation after acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets,” Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus wrote Monday.
“Does the team have enough for a deep playoff run, or will the team cash out draft currency for upgrades before the Feb. 6 trade deadline?”
“A more moderate path of acquiring Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz was explored in Part 1.”
“What would a more aggressive Lakers deal with the Jazz look like to replace what was lost in ball-handling when they sent D’Angelo Russell to Brooklyn?”
“Acquiring (Collin) Sexton is a complicated decision for the Lakers.”
“The team has been successful in relying heavily on the offensive creation of LeBron James and Austin Reaves, but do the Lakers need another dynamic offensive creator, especially in the playoffs when defenses have more time to game-plan than in the regular season?”
“He (Sexton) has dimensions similar to Gabe Vincent’s but is a scorer first who can also play-make (career average of 3.6 assists).”
“He is not nearly as strong defensively as Vincent (who is more offensively challenged at 0.9 assists per game and 33.0 percent from three).”
“Vincent has also struggled to stay healthy in Los Angeles, as he’s currently out with an oblique strain.”
In Pincus’ massive trade proposal, the Lakers would send Vincent, Christian Wood, Jalen Hood Schifino, Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes, two future first-round picks, and removal of a Top 4 protected first-round pick to the Jazz for Sexton, Kessler, and Patty Mills.
While franchises may not be rushing to trade for Kessler and Sexton, the two Jazz contributors have much to offer contending teams.
Kessler, an effortless shot blocker capable of fighting for offensive positioning and finding success around the rim, has enjoyed a successful campaign thus far.
The Auburn product averages 10.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game on 71% field goal shooting.
Sexton, a relentless guard unafraid to challenge opponents on both ends of the floor, has also been a bright spot for the 9-26 Jazz.
Sexton averages 17.7 points per contest on 48.1% field goal shooting and 42.8% three-point shooting.
Kessler and Sexton could help the Lakers solve their point guard and center woes in one blockbuster trade.
If Rob Pelinka wants to make another move before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, he should take Pincus’ suggestion seriously.
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