As expected, as we near the NBA trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers have found themselves involved in an abundance of rumors connecting them to several names around the league. No matter how high or small the price may be, LA is always a prime candidate to end up making a move during this time.
Now, it seems like the Lakers could have their eyes on one of this season’s more productive players on the Utah Jazz.
According to a report from Robert Marvi of USA Today, Jazz guard Collin Sexton could be among one of the many Lakers’ targets ahead of the February 8th trade deadline:
Right now, their biggest trade targets seem to be the Atlanta Hawks’ Dejounte Murray, who would give them a speedy scoring guard who can also facilitate and defend. But the price for him could be steep. On Wednesday, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that L.A. is also looking at possibly targeting the Washington Wizards’ Tyus Jones and Collin Sexton of the Utah Jazz.
Along with Sexton, Los Angeles also seemingly has interest in Dejounte Murray and Tyus Jones to help with their guard depth.
While the Lakers could very well have an interest in a player like Sexton, it is pretty apparent to see why: he’s really good. Collin has been lights out for Utah since securing his spot as a nightly starter, rising as this team’s secondary option on the offensive end during their recent winning stretch.
During his 18 games as a starter, Sexton has averaged 21.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.8 assists on an incredible 52.2/41.5/90.8 efficiency.
An acquisition of Sexton could mend some massive holes in the Lakers' lineup by providing a consistent go-to perimeter scorer. However, finding a realistic package for LA to acquire him might not be available, given their collection of assets.
Sexton has the best value he has ever had since entering the league on a very team-friendly contract, while also contributing to a great stretch of winning basketball. It would have to take a very appealing offer to get Sexton out of Salt Lake City, and it’s hard to see Los Angeles being able to present that type of package. Their pool of draft picks is less than stellar, and there’s not quite any jaw-dropping young talent on the roster.
The Jazz are sitting on a six-game win streak that continues to elevate them in the Western Conference standings. If the success keeps moving forward, the idea of Utah becoming a massive seller in the coming weeks will only continue to lose traction.
As for the Lakers, they land at a 21-21 record for 10th in the West, so there is a great chance you see them pull the trigger on some deadline acquisition as a market buyer. But, as it pertains to Utah, do not have any high hopes for Sexton repping the purple and gold anytime soon.
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