The Los Angeles Lakers may not be done making moves by the 2025 NBA trade deadline. The Lakers have already made one big trade, sending point guard D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. While Finney-Smith has 3-and-D capabilities, the trade still leaves the Lakers depth chart lacking. Russell, for all his flaws, was a reliable offensive weapon off the bench and a capable creator. With the 2025 NBA trade deadline approaching, the Lakers might need to explore options to add a point guard who can bring scoring, creativity, and energy off the bench. Because of this, a trade for Collin Sexton could be a strong option.
Could Lakers Trade For This Guard To Replace D’Angelo Russell?
Collin Sexton Could Help the Lakers
Sexton has been a fairly consistent player over the last couple of seasons. After some offensively potent (yet empty feeling) years in Cleveland, he has settled into a solid scoring and playmaking option for the Utah Jazz. Sexton is averaging 18.2 points, and 3.9 assists while shooting 47.7% from the field and a career-high 42% from deep.
Sexton’s stats over the last few weeks are even better than that. In his last 13 outings, he has averaged 21.8 points, 5.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds, potentially showing off to trade suitors exactly how good he is. Although Sexton’s stats are enticing on their own, so is the role he could fill on the Lakers.
Lakers Need Playmaking and Scoring
The Lakers have only a mediocre offense this season. Trading Russell for Finney-Smith hurts their ball handling and playmaking. Their defense gets a big upgrade with Finney-Smith, and they get more spacing for LeBron James and Anthony Davis to operate, but Russell was one of their best playmakers.
To fill the gap left by Russell, the Lakers need to consider continuing to be active in the trade market. A Union between Sexton and the Lakers could help fill that gap. The Lakers are seemingly trying to go all-in at the end of James’ career, and trading what assets they have left for Sexton could bring them closer to championship contention.
Is a Lakers Collin Sexton Trade Likely?
Despite the fit, negotiating with the Jazz could be tricky. Jazz CEO Danny Ainge is known for maximizing the value of his assets, and Sexton’s consistent contributions make him a valuable piece, even for a rebuilding team. The Jazz are currently among the worst teams in the Western Conference with a 10-28 record, and trading veterans like Sexton could accelerate their youth movement.
Utah may be hesitant to part with Sexton without significant compensation. If the Lakers are serious about getting him, they might need to offer one of their three tradeable first-round picks along with a rotational player. This could be a tough pill to swallow for the Lakers’ front office, but it may be necessary if they want Sexton in purple and gold.
Depending on what the Lakers do this 2025 NBA trade deadline, LeBron’s final chances at competing for an NBA championship could be on the line. That is a responsibility the Lakers shouldn’t take lightly.
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