Unexpected Opportunity Makes Collin Sexton an Ideal Trade Target for Lakers
Collin Sexton has never seemed like a more fitting acquisition for the Lakers.
By Maxwell Ogden
The Los Angeles Lakers have been clear about their willingness to make a trade if it substantially improves their championship chances. This is a high bar to meet, but with an impressive starting lineup and strong chemistry among key players, it’s an understandable goal.
Fortunately for the Lakers, a seemingly perfect option has emerged on a team that may not fully appreciate him in the 2024-25 season: Collin Sexton.
Although talented, Sexton’s early season minutes indicate that the Utah Jazz may not value him as expected. He’s averaged only 23.5 minutes per game in his first six appearances, and was recently relegated to the bench, raising some eyebrows.
The benching followed Sexton’s best performance of the season, where he scored 23 points on 9-of-11 shooting.
Sexton has since returned to the starting lineup, but this was only because Jordan Clarkson, who had taken his spot, missed that game. Additionally, there seems to be a full commitment to developing rookie point guard Keyonte George.
If Sexton is indeed available for trade, now could be the best time for the Lakers to acquire him at a reduced price.
Sexton’s Diminished Role with Jazz Could Benefit Lakers
Sexton may be struggling for consistent minutes in 2024-25, but his skills are evident. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 18.7 points, 4.9 assists, 2.6 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 1.6 three-pointers in just 26.6 minutes per game.
Adjusted per 36 minutes, his stats are stellar: 25.3 points, 6.6 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 2.2 three-pointers.
Sexton’s efficiency, including a shooting line of .487/.394/.859, showcased his potential as a high-impact point guard. His rise was interrupted by a torn meniscus in 2021-22, one year after he averaged 24.3 points per game with the Cavaliers.
Questions remain about how he’d integrate on a well-established team, but his talent for development is unquestionable.
Logistically, Sexton is due $18,350,000 for the 2024-25 season. If the Lakers are serious about moving on from D’Angelo Russell, they could consider a swap, trading productive guards with respective fit concerns.
Russell’s expiring contract could be appealing to Utah, while Sexton has another $19,175,000 due in the following season, then becomes a free agent in 2026.
Many fans wish the Lakers would target Walker Kessler, but Sexton would also be a valuable addition. He could solidify the point guard spot, potentially saving Los Angeles from having to re-sign or replace Russell next summer.
Though the Lakers likely won’t make a trade this early in the season, Sexton could be worth a November gamble before his trade value rises again.