In the midst of NBA trade deadline speculation, the Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for potential moves in the backcourt, eyeing guards with speed and quickness to bolster their roster. With the Toronto Raptors already making significant changes, the league is abuzz with anticipation.
The Raptors, in a strategic move to usher in a new era, have traded Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers, receiving Bruce Brown, Jordan Nwora, and three first-round picks. Adding to their acquisitions, the Raptors secured Kira Lewis from the New Orleans Pelicans. This follows the recent trade of OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks, indicating a deliberate shift in the Raptors’ direction.
As the Lakers actively pursue upgrades for the second consecutive season, their focus lies on fortifying the backcourt. Gabe Vincent’s knee injury has highlighted the need for a speedy guard, prompting the Lakers to explore potential trades. According to reports from Dave McMenamin of ESPN‘s NBA Countdown, the Lakers are particularly interested in Tyus Jones of the Washington Wizards and Collin Sexton of the Utah Jazz.
McMenamin noted, “You’re looking at the Lakers surveying the market for point guard help and one guy you can look at is certainly Tyus Jones with the Washington Wizards.” Jones, 27, boasts a solid track record as a backup point guard, displaying efficiency with a 52% field goal and 42% three-point shooting. With a $14 million expiring contract, Jones could be a viable option for the Lakers, especially considering the Wizards’ current lack of competitiveness.
Another player on the Lakers’ radar is Collin Sexton, a 25-year-old dynamic guard with ties to LeBron James and Anthony Davis through his agent, Rich Paul. Sexton, known for his athleticism and scoring prowess, could provide an offensive spark off the bench for the Lakers. Averaging 17 points and four assists per game, Sexton’s versatility as a combo guard aligns with the Lakers’ needs.
While neither Jones nor Sexton are considered star players, they bring valuable skills to the table and could seamlessly integrate into the Lakers’ roster. The question now looms whether the Lakers’ front office will pull the trigger on acquiring either of these guards before the trade deadline.
Contrary to previous speculations, it has been reported that there is “zero percent chance” of the Lakers trading for Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine. The Lakers seem to be shifting their focus towards more attainable options in Jones and Sexton, recognizing the value these players could bring to the team’s overall dynamic.
With the NBA trade deadline less than a month away, the basketball world awaits eagerly to see how the Lakers navigate the market and whether the acquisitions of Jones or Sexton will materialize. As the Raptors reshape their roster and the Lakers actively pursue reinforcements, the NBA landscape is sure to witness more trade fireworks in the days to come.
