2 Jazz players named as 'key' to unlocking Lakers' potential
By Matt John
If the Utah Jazz are fully committed to their rebuild, other aspiring contenders in the Western Conference could use the veterans on the roster. Enter the Los Angeles Lakers.
It makes sense why the Jazz and the Lakers could become trade partners because A. they have before (Russell Westbrook in 2023) and B. the Jazz have assets that the Lakers would want.
Lake Show Life's Maxwell Ogden singled out two Jazz players who he believes could unlock their potential as a team: Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton.
Why Kessler would help the Lakers
Ogden explained why Kessler fits exactly what the Lakers need.
"Kessler, 23, is widely regarded as one of the most promising defensive bigs in the NBA, standing at 7'0" and 245 pounds with a massive 7'6" wingspan and an impressive motor.
"Kessler is also a tremendous offensive rebounder, thus making him a perfect fit for the Lakers on the basis of personal strengths and team weaknesses."
He further explained what area Kessler helps the Lakers out specifically.
"This past season, Kessler averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.6 offensive boards, and 2.4 blocks in just 23.3 minutes per game. In terms of how that helps, Los Angeles finished the 2023-24 campaign ranked dead last in offensive rebounding and No. 21 in points allowed in the paint."
Why Sexton would fit with the Lakers
Ogden explained why Sexton would be the "perfect replacement" for D'Angelo Russell, should they trade Russell.
"Replacing Russell means finding a player who can provide similar value to his averages of 18.0 points, 6.3 assists, and 3.0 three-point field goals made per game. Beyond the numbers, it means finding a player who can produce big scoring numbers, shoot well, and create for others.
"Sexton checks those boxes, with season averages (of) 18.7 points, 4.9 assists, 2.6 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 1.6 three-point field goals made on .498/.394/.859 shooting in just 26.6 minutes per game. ."
Ogden then explained how good those numbers look if he had a bigger role. He also brought up the one concern that comes with Sexton.
"If those numbers sound outrageous, it's because they are. They translate to 25.3 points, 6.6 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 2.2 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes. Assuming the injury concerns are in the rearview, he could reach those heights on a per-game basis in the right situation."
But would the Jazz entertain this?
It wasn't too long ago that Kessler yet again popped up in the trade rumor mill, as Eric Pincus brought up that Kessler "doesn't seem to be part of the (Jazz's) long-term plans." However, all indications are they have no plans to get rid of him.
Also, it's been brought up before in a previous trade proposal that featured Sexton being traded to the Lakers because, in summation, he fits what the Lakers want. He just sadly has never gotten the chance to prove himself on a winning team.
Becoming trade partners with the Lakers is very tempting knowing that the Lakers' future has remained uncertain for quite some time. The Jazz already got one of their first-round picks, so who's to say that they wouldn't try to get more if the opportunity presents itself.
But do they really want to help save the Lakers? They already did that in 2023, and their trajectory will only get worse from here. Giving them Kessler and Sexton, both of whom are young and still haven't reached their prime, could not only salvage the LeBron James era, but also sets up a solid foundation for when he retires.
That would be sometime down the line, but the chance to get more golden assets may be too good to pass up. It will all depend on how much they value Kessler and Sexton.