The Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as one of the stronger teams in the Western Conference over the past month, posting a 6-4 record in their last 10 games and climbing to the No. 5 seed. Their midseason acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith has bolstered their forward depth, providing a versatile, reliable option for closing lineups. However, gaps remain in the roster, particularly in guard depth and the center position behind Anthony Davis.
Proposed Trade to Address Needs
To fill these holes, Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus has suggested a blockbuster trade:
Lakers Receive:
- Walker Kessler ($2.9M)
- Collin Sexton ($18.2M)
- Patty Mills ($2.0M)
Jazz Receive:
- Gabe Vincent ($11.0M)
- Christian Wood ($3.0M)
- Jalen Hood-Schifino ($3.8M)
- Cam Reddish ($2.4M)
- Jaxson Hayes ($2.4M)
- Removal of Top-4 Protection on 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
- 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
- 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Impact on the Lakers
This trade would directly address the Lakers’ needs by adding Walker Kessler, a 23-year-old center averaging 10.4 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks, and Collin Sexton, a dynamic guard averaging 17.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. Kessler would provide a long-term solution at center while allowing Anthony Davis to focus on power forward duties. Sexton, meanwhile, could inject energy into the backcourt, either as a starter alongside Austin Reaves or as a sixth man replacing D’Angelo Russell.
The outgoing players—Vincent, Wood, Hood-Schifino, Reddish, and Hayes—have had minimal impact, making their departures relatively low-cost in terms of on-court production. The draft picks, while valuable, could be worth sacrificing for a rotation that positions the Lakers as serious contenders both now and in the future. A playoff lineup featuring Reaves, Christie, LeBron James, Rui Hachimura, Davis, Sexton, Finney-Smith, and Kessler would rival the best in the league.
Impact on the Jazz
For the Utah Jazz, this trade aligns with their rebuilding strategy. By trading away Kessler and Sexton, they gain control of three unprotected first-round picks in 2027, 2029, and 2031, potentially valuable assets in the post-LeBron James era when the Lakers may face uncertainty. The players they receive are secondary to the draft capital, with Gabe Vincent likely serving as a veteran presence while the other contracts expire.
Danny Ainge, known for stockpiling future assets, would likely view this deal as a win, giving the Jazz more opportunities to build for sustained success.
A Win-Win Scenario?
The deal would significantly enhance the Lakers’ playoff chances and provide a foundation for remaining competitive after LeBron’s eventual retirement. For the Jazz, it accelerates their rebuild with high-value draft capital that could shape their future. While the Lakers pay a steep price, the long-term benefits of acquiring young, talented players like Kessler and Sexton could outweigh the risks, especially if the team can remain a contender in the coming seasons.
