Unexpected turn of events makes Collin Sexton an ideal trade candidate for the Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers have made it clear they’re open to trades if it brings them closer to a championship. With a strong starting lineup and excellent chemistry among key players, this approach is understandable.
A promising trade target could be emerging from a team that seems to be undervaluing him this season: Collin Sexton.
Despite his evident talent, Sexton’s role with the Utah Jazz has diminished early in the 2024-25 season. Through six games, he’s averaging just 23.5 minutes per game and was recently benched—oddly, right after posting a season-high 23 points on 9-of-11 shooting.
Sexton was moved back into the starting lineup, but only because Jordan Clarkson, who had replaced him, was unavailable for that game. Additionally, the Jazz seem focused on developing point guard Keyonte George.
If this signals Sexton’s availability on the trade market, it might be the perfect opportunity for the Lakers to acquire him at a lower value.
While Sexton may be struggling for consistent minutes this season, his skill set is undeniable. In 2023-24, he averaged 18.7 points, 4.9 assists, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.6 three-pointers per game in just 26.6 minutes. That’s equivalent to impressive per-36-minute averages of 25.3 points, 6.6 assists, and 3.6 rebounds.
Add in his efficient shooting (.487 FG, .394 3P, .859 FT), and Sexton clearly has the potential of a high-ceiling point guard. Though a torn meniscus in 2021-22 temporarily halted his rise, he had previously averaged 24.3 points per game with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
There are concerns about his fit on a veteran team with an established structure, but his talent is too great to ignore.
Logistically, Sexton’s contract for 2024-25 is $18.35 million, and if the Lakers are seriously considering parting ways with D’Angelo Russell, a trade involving these two point guards could make sense. Russell’s expiring contract might be appealing to the Jazz, while Sexton is under contract for another season before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
Though many fans are hoping the Lakers might pursue Walker Kessler, Sexton would still be a solid addition, potentially providing a long-term answer at point guard and giving the Lakers flexibility with Russell’s future.
While it’s unlikely the Lakers will make a move this early in the season, Sexton is a player worth considering now, before his trade value climbs.
