The Lakers are 2-0 and visit Utah today with the coverage already running ahead of the schedule. Three stories dominate: a center on the rise, a trade price, and a reunion.
The Anchor Narrative
Lakers Nation reported that JJ Redick believes Walker Kessler can be even better, and ran a second piece on Kessler being "excited to compete" against the Jazz. Silver Screen and Roll went further, calling him the Lakers' defensive anchor. The scoring and rebounding back the buzz: 26 points against the Warriors, and 24.0 points with 8.5 rebounds over two games. They do not settle the anchor label on their own. His $30.2M deal is the third-largest on the payroll, so the expectations are priced in. Lakers Nation also reported that Ziaire Williams is happy to be the point-of-attack defender. Williams is playing 27.4 minutes a night, so the role is real.
A Price for Sims
Lakers Nation and Silver Screen and Roll both reported that the Bucks wanted two second-round picks for Jericho Sims and the Lakers offered one. That is a report of a negotiation, and nothing in the Lakers' own facts shows a deal done. Sims is not on the roster. The picks are a real constraint. The 2027 second is conditional to Brooklyn, the 2029 second is owed to Memphis, the 2030 second is owed to Brooklyn, and 2028 is a swap. Payroll is $201.3M, $0.9M past the $200.4M tax line. The facts support a team with little to spend. They do not support a deal being close.
Debut and Reunion
Lakers Nation reported that Austin Reaves and Kessler praised Collin Sexton's energy in his Lakers debut. The timeline fits a late start. His leg problem was listed from Oct. 5, and he was cleared Oct. 22. The Los Angeles Times' Thuc Nhi Nguyen wrote of the reunion with Rui Hachimura, "I miss him," and Silver Screen and Roll said both sides were excited. The Lakers beat the Clippers 125-117 that night, with Reaves scoring 28. Depth matters now. Cameron Carr, with an oblique injury, and Adou Thiero, with a knee injury, are both projected back Oct. 27, after Utah.
Have the Lakers traded for Jericho Sims?
No trade appears in the Lakers' facts. Lakers Nation reported that the Bucks wanted two second-round picks and the Lakers offered one.
What is the Lakers' record heading into the Jazz game?
The Lakers are 2-0 and second in the West, and the Jazz are 1-1. Los Angeles won 127-105 over the Warriors and 125-117 over the Clippers.
