Lakers Add More Scoring & Defense In Latest Projected Trade

The Los Angeles Lakers suffered back-to-back embarrassing blowout defeats to fall to 12-10 for the season. LeBron James is showing signs of decline, Anthony Davis isn't the defensive force we have grown accustomed to seeing, and there simply isn't a big enough difference between Darvin Ham and JJ Redick's teams.

This creates a desperate need for upgrades on the trade market. The Lakers have too many holes on the roster, both in terms of talent and depth. They need to add more frontcourt depth, defense, and scoring.

In one potential trade scenario with the Utah Jazz, they could address all of their needs.

Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler, who are seemingly on the trade block on the rebuilding Jazz, can be acquired by the Lakers in exchange for draft capital. The expiring contracts of D'Angelo Russell and Jalen Hood-Schifino could be used for salary-matching purposes, while the Lakers' 2029 first-round pick is the main trade asset going Utah's way. Los Angeles could add a few second rounders to sweeten the deal for the Jazz.

The Lakers need upgrades in their big man rotation. Walker Kessler has the ability to play next to Anthony Davis but also be the defensive anchor when Davis isn't available. He has the potential to be one of the best rim protectors in the league.

Sexton, on the other hand, is a better version of D'Angelo Russell. He is a more dynamic scorer while having fewer defensive deficiencies. His shot selection is also better than Russell's as he is shooting 42.7% from downtown for the season, averaging 16.9 points in 28.3 minutes per game on an impressive 61.2 True Shooting Percentage.

A trade like this presumably doesn't turn the Lakers into a surefire title contender. But it makes them a deeper and more dangerous team. The Lakers need to reduce the offensive load on LeBron and the defensive load on AD. This trade at least accomplishes that.

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