In the world of professional basketball, few teams garner as much attention and intrigue as the Los Angeles Lakers. With two All-NBA players, fresh off an Olympic gold medal win in 2024, the Lakers should be dominating headlines. However, despite their star power, they are not considered front runners in the championship race. This begs the question – what do the Lakers need to do to secure their spot at the top of the league?
One thing is for certain – time is not on their side. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis getting older, the Lakers’ championship window is closing fast. It is crucial for the team to consider upgrading their roster to make the most of the talent they have. And surprisingly, the answer to their roster woes might come from an unexpected source – the Utah Jazz.
The Jazz, known for their strong roster and competitive play, could hold the key to the Lakers’ success. One player in particular, Walker Kessler, stands out as a potential game-changer for Los Angeles. Standing at an impressive seven feet tall with a wingspan of seven-foot-six, Kessler is a defensive force to be reckoned with. His size, defensive prowess, and relentless energy make him a perfect fit for the Lakers’ needs in the frontcourt.
Kessler’s offensive rebounding ability only adds to his value. In a league where second chance points can make all the difference, Kessler’s skills could be a game-changer for the Lakers. In the 2023-24 season, the Lakers struggled in areas such as offensive rebounds and points allowed in the paint – two areas where Kessler excels. His stats speak for themselves, averaging 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.6 offensive boards, and 2.4 blocks in just over 23 minutes per game. Adding Kessler to the lineup could address many of the Lakers’ weaknesses on both ends of the court.
But Kessler is not the only player the Lakers should be considering. As they look to maximize the talents of James and Davis, they should also have a backup plan in place. Collin Sexton, who could potentially replace D’Angelo Russell, is another player the Lakers should be eyeing.
In the fast-paced world of professional basketball, every move matters. The Lakers have the talent, but they need to make the right moves to secure their place among the league’s elite. The answers to their problems may lie in unexpected places, and the Utah Jazz could hold the key to the Lakers’ success in the 2024 season.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Lakers to see if they can rise to the occasion. With the championship in their sights, the time for action is now. It’s up to the Lakers to make the necessary moves to secure their place among the NBA’s elite teams.
