Aloha,
I have been thinking about ways that the Lakers could pull off a trade that would help the team without actually hurting it. I read somewhere that Ainge covets the Lakers firsts more then the Knicks who offered two for Kessler because the Knicks picks more than likely will be very good for years to come making the picks closer to 2nd’s while the future for the Lakers is less certain.
The Trade would send DLO, Hood-Shapiro, a first and removal of the protections on the 2027 pick. The Lakers receive Colin Sexton and Walter Kessler.
Why the Lakers do it is pretty obvious. It solves their back up center problem with a skilled 22 year old that could not only back up AD but also get minutes with him. Sexton would provide the same scoring as DLO. While he didn’t shoot as many 3’s as DLO, he did shoot 39% he is not quite as good at assists but he is much more athletic and plays faster then DLO and he’s also a down hill threat. Plus he’s only 25.
Why would the Jazz do it? First money. DLO has an expiring contract, while Sexton has another year after this one. For whatever reason Sexton doesn’t appear to be part of their long term plans. Neither are very good defenders but Sexton played on a team that lacked good defenders. Hood-Shapino would give them a 21 year old 6’ 6” point guard to look at. The Jazz are heavy on bigs and only have one PG other than Sexton, is more of a combo guard. And he is a 19 year old rookie. After this year Hood-Shapino’s next two seasons have team options, so if he doesn’t pan out they can cut him.
I think this could be a trade that could workout for both parties. While it would hurt to give up a first, Kessler would be only be 27 in 2029.
Aloha, MIchael. I like this trade because the Lakers desperately need a rim protector when AD is on the bench. I still worry about replacing DLO’s volume 3-point shooting and elite playmaking and don’t see Sexton as a starter or a point guard. That’s why I would personally hold on to DLO until the trade deadline. I still want to see how playing for JJ could change his ceiling in the playoffs.
I look at the PG position as a wash. They each bring their own strengths. As for play making DLO averaged a little over 1 assist more than Sexton but he also played 7 more minutes a game since the Jazz were trying to tank. DLO took 7 3’s while Sexton took 4.2 and shot 39% again playing time had a little to do with that. Personally I feel we get the same offensive production while landing a young quality center.
By the way he averaged the same amount of points as DLO in 7 minutes less. Part of that is because he got to the free throw line a lot more because he attacks the rim much more.