As the Los Angeles Lakers going through a challenging season with a 21-21 record at the midway point, the franchise is actively exploring options to strengthen their roster. Among the potential trade targets, Tyus Jones of the Washington Wizards and Collin Sexton of the Utah Jazz have emerged as potential interests for the Lakers, as reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
There is clear room for improvement, especially in areas such as 3-point shooting and aggressive play at the point guard position. The Lakers, who reached last season’s Western Conference Finals, are looking to improve their roster with these specific skill sets.
The Lakers are searching the trade market for point guard help, per @mcten
Collin Sexton and Tyus Jones are potential names to watch pic.twitter.com/na5ZDEBmOZ
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 18, 2024
Tyus Jones is known as a solid lead guard who could bring stability to the Lakers’ lineup. This season, Jones is averaging 12.8 points and 5.6 assists per game with 52.0% shooting from the field and an outstanding 42.0% from the 3-point range. Jones might not be the popular name Lakers fans hoping for, but his consistent performance and shooting skills make him an attractive option.
On the other hand, Collin Sexton is a more scoring-focused option. Sexton is currently averaging 16.9 points and 3.9 assists in just 23.5 minutes per game. His shooting percentages are 48.9% overall and 37.1% from beyond the arc this season.
Lakers are reportedly unwilling to trade Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura
The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly hesitant to trade two of their key players, Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. According to NBA insider Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Lakers want to keep these players while exploring other trade options.
Austin Reaves has been a valuable asset for the Lakers this season, averaging 15.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game with a 49.0% field goal percentage, 34.4% from beyond the arc, and an 87.1% free-throw line. Reaves, who is earning $12 million, has become a crucial part of the Lakers’ plan.
The Lakers are reportedly unsure if trading Austin Reaves for Dejounte Murray would move the needle, per @DanWoikeSports
“The Lakers, though, have shown no interest in trading Reaves despite some defensive regression this season, and even if they did flip him for Murray,… pic.twitter.com/32SacHkVlq
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 13, 2024
Similarly, Rui Hachimura is averaging 11.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. His shooting stats are also impressive, with a 49.0% overall, 37.0% from the 3-point range, and 76.8% from the foul line. Hachimura’s current salary is $15.7 million.
The Lakers’ position in the Western Conference standings, currently at 10th place, highlights the need for strategic improvements. However, their desire to keep Reaves and Hachimura complicates the potential acquisition of high-profile players like Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks.
Murray, represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports Group, who also represents Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, is a highly demanded two-way player. The Lakers have to find a balance between acquiring new talent and retaining their skilled players.