LA Lakers Trade Rumors: Insider reveals pathway to land $71m guard, Walker Kessler and 1 sharp-shooter by keeping Austin Reaves

The LA Lakers recently made headlines with a blockbuster trade, sending D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. As the Feb. 7 trade deadline approaches, the Lakers are expected to explore additional moves to strengthen their roster, aiming to contend for a championship while maximizing LeBron James' remaining years.

Reports have linked Lakers GM Rob Pelinka to discussions with the Utah Jazz, potentially eyeing a deal to bring Walker Kessler to Los Angeles. Additionally, Jazz guard Collin Sexton, who is on a four-year, $70.95 million contract, has also been rumored as a target for the Lakers in recent weeks.

Amid the trade buzz, NBA insider Eric Pincus proposed a blockbuster mock trade that could see the Lakers acquire Kessler, Sexton and veteran sharpshooter Patty Mills. Notably, this trade scenario would allow the Lakers to retain key players Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura.

According to Pincus, the Lakers could land Kessler, Sexton and Mills by offering a package that includes Gabe Vincent, Christian Wood, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Cam Reddish, Jaxson Hayes, the removal of top-4 protection on their 2027 first-round pick, unprotected first-rounders in 2029 and 2031, a $7.4 million trade exception (for Sexton) and a $2.1 million trade exception (for Mills).

Lakers fall to Luka and Kyrie-less Mavericks

The Lakers endured a humiliating 118-97 blowout loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday. The defeat was particularly disappointing, not only because of the nearly 20-point margin but also because it came against a Mavericks team missing both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

The Lakers appeared completely out of sync, struggling to execute on offense and falling apart defensively, especially on the perimeter. The Mavericks took full advantage, shooting an impressive 47.4% from 3-point range, converting 18 of their 38 attempts from deep

This latest defeat, following a road loss to the Houston Rockets, underscores the pressing need for the Lakers to make key roster adjustments and add impactful pieces before the trade deadline to bolster their chances of contention.