The Los Angeles Lakers have recently achieved a record of 6 wins and 4 losses in their last 10 games, which has allowed them to briefly return to fourth place in the Western Conference. Currently, they are ranked sixth in the West, which is not bad as it ensures that they will avoid the play-in tournament and directly enter the playoffs if they maintain at least sixth place by the end of the season.
Recently, the Lakers traded D'Angelo Russell and other assets to acquire Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets, significantly enhancing their overall strength. However, to succeed in the 2024-25 season, the Lakers must trade or sign better players to support LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Recently, American media outlet "Fadeaway World" proposed a trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz, aiming for mutual benefit.
The Los Angeles Lakers would receive: Walker Kessler (2.9millionannualsalary),CollinSexton(18.2 million annual salary), and Patty Mills ($2 million annual salary).
The Utah Jazz would receive: Gabe Vincent (11millionannualsalary),ChristianWood(3 million annual salary), Hifino (3.8millionannualsalary),Reddish(2.4 million annual salary), Jackson Hayes ($2.4 million annual salary), the Lakers' first-round pick in 2027, the Lakers' first-round pick in 2029, and a first-round pick in 2031.
The Lakers are really going all out for the championship. This trade essentially involves the Lakers giving the Jazz three unprotected first-round picks. These five players do not hold much appeal for the Jazz; the value lies in the draft picks. Moreover, this trade is necessary for the Lakers to strengthen their rotation for the playoffs. In the past two seasons, their failures were due to the poor overall strength of their bench and the need for a starting center.
Walker Kessler, 23 years old, averages 10.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game this season. He is currently a hot commodity in the free agent market. Considering that Markkanen is the leader of the Jazz, the team may trade away Kessler. Collin Sexton is a point guard averaging 17.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game this season. His arrival can bring speed, stable scoring, defense, and some passing to the Lakers' backcourt.
The Utah Jazz are once again entering a rebuilding phase. The Jazz have been on the path of rebuilding, but their efforts seem to lack follow-through as their overall performance has been commendable, making it difficult for them to become a truly terrible team. Acquiring five players does not hold much appeal for them, as they can be resold. What's most important are those draft picks.