Goodbye Rivers? US media simulates the Lakers trading Kessler + Sexton, and 4-for-3 will definitely not suffer any losses

Last season trading deadline, the Lakers successfully exchanged for superstar Luca Doncic, instantly activate the team's offensive cap with Anthony Davis as the core chip. However, this deal also cost the Lakers a heavy price - the lack of the inside barrier was directly exposed to the spotlight. In the first round of the playoffs, the Lakers eventually lost to the Timberwolves due to the inside defense collapse. Now, LeBron James, who has Doncic and 40 years old but is still in his peak state, the Lakers management knows that if he wants to launch an impact on the championship in the new season, strengthening the inside has become an imminent strategic need.

At this time, the "all-member trading" declaration thrown by the Utah Jazz undoubtedly brought a turning point for the Lakers. Among them, 23-year-old center Walker Kessler became the number one target of the Purple and Gold Army. As the top franchise protector in the league, Kessler averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game last season. His excellent rebounding sense and penalty area deterrence can just fill the huge gap in the Lakers' inside. If he can be successfully introduced, he will not only form a long-term internal and external response with Doncic, but also hope to grow into an all-star-level inside pillar under the guidance of James.

The American media BR also boldly simulated a heavy-duty trade plan of 4 for 3: the Lakers gave out: Austin Rivers, Creckett, Van derbiao and the 2031 first-round draft pick; the Jazz gave out: Walker Kessler, Colin Sexton and the 2025 second-round draft pick.

This deal is a win-win move. For the Lakers, Kessler's joining will completely reshape the inside defensive system. As a shooting guard who averages 18.4 points per game, Sexton can not only fill the firepower gap after Rivers leaves the team, but also play an efficient ending point around Doncic and James. Although Sexton has problems such as aggressive shooting and insufficient defensive stability, its offensive efficiency is expected to be further improved under the leadership of two passers-by masters.

For the Jazz, Rivers and Kneckett both have immediate combat power and potential. The former can be used as the core of the transition from the backcourt, and the latter, as the first round pick in 2024, showed the ball holding ability shown in last season, has attracted the attention of many teams; Van Debiao's defensive attributes also meet the needs of the team during the reconstruction period. The first round pick in 2031 is regarded as a "treasure of the future" - if the Lakers' record declines by then, the pick is very likely to become a high pick, helping the Jazz accelerate the reconstruction process.

Last season, Kessler became the Jazz's starting center, averaging 30.0 minutes per game, scoring 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 2.4 blocks, and shooting percentage as high as 66.3%. He is 213cm tall, weighs 111kg, and is 23 years old. Colin Sexton was born on January 4, 1999, and as of June 2025, he is 26 years old. He is 191cm tall and weighs 86kg. In the 2024-2025 season, Sexton played 63 games for the Jazz, averaging 18.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game, shooting percentage of 48.0%, three-point shooting percentage of 40.6%, and free throw shooting percentage of 86.5%.

If the transaction is completed, the Lakers' starting lineup in the new season may be upgraded to Doncic, Sexton, James, Hachimura and Kessler, supplemented by experienced role players such as Finney Smith and Vincent, and the balance between offense and defense is significantly enhanced. If General Manager Pelinka can sign inside veterans such as Capela in the free market, this Purple and Gold Army will surely become a strong contender for the championship. The Jazz, by hoarding young assets and draft picks, laying a solid foundation for future reconstruction. A deal that can change the league structure is waiting for the final answer.