Lakers Finally Kick D'Angelo Russell to Curb in New Rumored Trade
By Cem Yolbulan
Before the start of the season, it was reported that the Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka wanted to see the team for the first 30 games before making any moves. We are now 26 games into the season, and the Lakers are in tenth place in the Western Conference with a 14-12 record. The team doesn't look much improved from last season and is on their way to another Play-In berth.
Pelinka hopefully finally sees what every Lakers fan has been seeing since last season. This team isn't good enough to compete for a championship and needs upgrades.
The fanbase expects the Lakers to be active on the trade market. Using their draft capital and the mid-sized salaries of D'Angelo Russell, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Rui Hachimura, the Lakers can bring in starter-caliber players.
In one recent rumored trade, the Lakers do precisely that. NBA analyst Jake Weinbach identifies Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton as a potential target for the Lakers. The speculated trade has the Lakers send D'Angelo Russell and second-round draft picks to Utah for Sexton.
NBA Rumors: Lakers Could Target Jazz G Collin Sexton
The Lakers could be targeting Collin Sexton in a swap deal that would send D’Angelo Russell and second-round draft compensation to Utah.
— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) December 18, 2024
Sexton is averaging 16.3 points per game and shooting 42% from 3 this season. Lakers have reportedly shown interest dating back to last year.
Sexton would be a serious upgrade over Russell on both ends of the floor. He doesn't have the pick-and-roll ability and passing that Russell has but he is a much better scorer and shooter. Through 25 games this season, he is averaging 16.3 points in 27.6 minutes per game on a solid 60.6% True Shooting. His 42% accuracy from downtown makes him a good off-ball fit next to LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Austin Reaves. Plus, like almost every player in the NBA, he is a much better defender than Russell.
The issue here would be whether the Jazz would be willing to give Sexton up for this price. Russell is on an expiring contract, making him an attractive option for that reason alone. The Jazz would certainly prefer to get a first-round pick back for Sexton but considering that they are firmly committed to the rebuild, they could accept less if they find his trade market to be tepid.
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