The Los Angeles Lakers are perhaps the most successful team in NBA history. Some consider LeBron James the greatest player to ever live. So, there were expectations of success surrounding the 2023-24 Lakers. 

So far, they aren’t meeting those expectations. Don’t try to pin the blame on James – he’s having a great year. Anthony Davis is playing fantastic basketball in his own right. What exactly is the problem here? 

Well, the Lakers are lacking depth. Specifically, they could use some help in their backcourt. Perhaps that’s why it’s been rumored that the Lakers are interested in adding a guard. Here are three targets we think they ought to consider. 

Collin Sexton 

What should the Lakers be looking for in a guard? Above all else, they should value self-creation. At the same time, some playmaking would be good. A quality defender would help as well. 

In other words, they should be looking for Collin Sexton. He’d be the perfect addition to this team. Sexton has returned from an injury and resumed his star trajectory in 2023-24. 

With that in mind, he may not be available. The Jazz have been rounding into form lately, and Sexton has been a huge reason why. If he’s not available, could the Lakers look to a more clear seller for some backcourt help? 

Tyus Jones 

Sexton may not be available. We’d be surprised if Jones wasn’t. The Wizards are one of the worst teams in the NBA. If a team wants to give them assets for a useful veteran, they should take that deal. 

Jones is a useful veteran. He leads the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio almost every year. Jones can orchestrate an NBA offense as efficiently as anyone. Why wouldn’t the Lakers want him? 

Remember that self-creation we talked about? Jones isn’t very proficient in that area. He’s a great role player, but he may not move the needle enough for this Lakers team. Is there a guard who may be available who would? 

Dejounte Murray 

Jones may not move the needle. Murray may not be in the Lakers’ price range. This is a star-caliber guard. Do the Lakers have the assets to bring him in? 

It’s a tough call. It does feel worth noting that Murray’s trade value seems to have taken a hit. His defensive reputation is beginning to come under siege. The Hawks may find that nobody’s willing to offer significantly more than the Lakers. 

Meanwhile, the Lakers should offer whatever they can. Murray may have flaws, but alongside James and Davis, he could be an elite third man. In other words, he could help the Lakers meet some lofty expectations.