The Los Angeles Lakers have been active ahead of the New Year, bolstering their roster with the acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith, a versatile defender and reliable three-point shooter. While Finney-Smith fills a critical need for perimeter defense and floor spacing and many are impressed with the brave trade, the Lakers are far from done considering the remaining assets that they have at their disposal.
With a competitive Western Conference featuring elite teams like the OKC Thunder, Denver Nuggets, and Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers know they must keep upgrading to maximize their championship window. The next logical move? Adding depth in the backcourt and shoring up the frontcourt with players who can impact the game on both ends of the floor.
Enter Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz. Sexton, a fiery scorer and playmaker, could provide the Lakers with a much-needed offensive spark off the bench or as a secondary ball-handler alongside LeBron James. Meanwhile, Kessler, a rising star averaging 11.0 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game, would bring elite rim protection and rebounding, solving a glaring issue in the Lakers’ interior defense.
Let’s examine what this deal for Sexton and Kessler would look like and how it would work out for both teams, particularly the Lakers. With LeBron and Anthony Davis playing at a high level, time is of the essence, and there might be no room to wait for the next big move.
Potential Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler
Utah Jazz Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jaxson Hayes, 2029 First-Round Pick (Unprotected), 2031 First-Round Pick (1-20 Protected)
Lakers Complete An Exceptional Roster Overhaul
The Los Angeles Lakers have executed a near-perfect roster overhaul by adding Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler to complement their acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith. This series of moves solidifies the team as a legitimate contender in the stacked Western Conference.
Sexton brings a fiery edge to the Lakers’ backcourt, averaging 17.4 points and 3.8 assists per game this season while shooting an efficient 42.4% from three. His scoring ability provides the Lakers with a reliable option during LeBron James’ rest periods. It takes the pressure off Austin Reaves on the perimeter who will act as a replacement for the departed D’Angelo Russell.
Walker Kessler, meanwhile, addresses the Lakers’ lingering defensive concerns in the paint. The 7-foot center has been a shot-blocking menace, averaging 2.8 blocks and 11.0 rebounds per game. His defensive presence alongside Anthony Davis creates a formidable interior that can neutralize opposing bigs like Nikola Jokic and Julius Randle in critical playoff matchups.
The Lakers also improve their rebounding, a key weakness in prior games, as Kessler is adept at cleaning the glass on both ends of the court. Perhaps most importantly, acquiring the big man means Davis can return to his favorite power forward position which is reminiscent of the 2020 championship lineup.
With these additions, the Lakers now boast one of the deepest and most balanced rosters in the league. They’ve effectively surrounded their stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, with complementary pieces that address shooting, defense, and playmaking. The overhaul gives head coach JJ Redick the flexibility to mix and match lineups, whether going small or big. This level of versatility makes the Lakers a nightmare matchup for any playoff opponent, and they now look poised to make a legitimate run at banner No. 18.
Utah Jazz Jump Into Cooper Flagg Sweepstakes
For the Utah Jazz, this trade marks a significant pivot toward the future. By moving key rotation players in Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler, Utah positions itself for the draft lottery and potentially lands a generational talent like Cooper Flagg. Flagg, a 6-foot-8 forward and consensus top prospect, is heralded for his elite defensive instincts, passing vision, and scoring versatility. Adding a player of his caliber could be transformative for a Jazz franchise that has lacked a true superstar since Donovan Mitchell’s departure.
The trade haul gives Utah a promising blend of young talent and draft assets. Rui Hachimura, who is averaging 12.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, offers immediate scoring and size at the forward position.
Jalen Hood-Schifino, a rookie guard with a smooth handle and playmaking upside, is a potential long-term backcourt piece. Jaxson Hayes provides athleticism and rim protection, fitting seamlessly into Utah’s developing roster. The future first-round picks in 2029 and 2031 ensure that the Jazz have the flexibility to draft or trade for foundational players.
This move also signals Utah’s commitment to the rebuilding process. By freeing up minutes for younger players and stockpiling picks, the Jazz are embracing a patient approach that could yield massive rewards. While it’s always a gamble to bet on lottery odds, the chance to draft a talent like Flagg makes the risk worthwhile. For Utah, this trade aligns perfectly with their long-term vision and sets the stage for an exciting new era.
A Major Trade That Makes The Lakers Massive Winners
This trade cements the Los Angeles Lakers as the clear winners of the 2024-25 trade season. By acquiring Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler, the Lakers have addressed critical weaknesses while maintaining a win-now mentality.
Sexton provides the bench scoring punch the team has sorely lacked, and his ability to create his own shot will pay dividends in the playoffs. His 42.4% three-point percentage highlights his efficiency, and his relentless style of play is bound to energize the Lakers during crucial moments.
Walker Kessler’s arrival is equally impactful. The second-year center brings elite shot-blocking and rebounding, areas where the Lakers have often struggled. His ability to defend without fouling and finish around the rim complements Anthony Davis perfectly.
Together, they form a defensive duo that can stymie even the best offenses in the league. Kessler’s rebounding prowess also solves a critical problem, giving the Lakers more second-chance opportunities and helping to close out defensive possessions.
With these acquisitions, the Lakers not only strengthen their championship odds this season but also set themselves up for sustained success. In a Western Conference arms race, the Lakers have separated themselves as the team to beat, and this trade is the exclamation point on a brilliant roster overhaul by Rob Pelinka.
Lakers’ Potential Starting Lineup And Bench
Starting Lineup: Collin Sexton, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Walker Kessler
Bench: Gabe Vincent, Shake Milton, Max Christie, Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Koloko, Christian Wood
The Los Angeles Lakers’ revamped roster positions them as one of the deepest and most well-rounded teams in the NBA. The starting lineup of Collin Sexton, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Walker Kessler combines scoring, playmaking, defense, and rebounding, giving the Lakers a balanced attack on both ends of the floor.
The bench adds another layer of strength, with Gabe Vincent and Shake Milton providing steady ball-handling and perimeter scoring. Young talents like Max Christie and Dalton Knecht bring energy and shooting, while veterans like Cam Reddish and Jarred Vanderbilt add defensive toughness. This mix of experience, youth, and versatility allows the Lakers to adapt to any opponent, a critical asset in a competitive playoff run.
Ultimately, this roster overhaul gives the Lakers everything they need to chase a championship. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the charge and a perfectly constructed supporting cast, the Lakers are poised to make a deep postseason run.
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