The Los Angeles Lakers are running out of options to upgrade their roster as the offseason progresses. After missing out on key players like Klay Thompson and Buddy Hield, one potential impact player remains available.
The Utah Jazz, likely entering a rebuilding phase, hold a valuable asset in forward Lauri Markkanen. The All-Star is in a contract year, and the Jazz might trade him before he hits free agency next year.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report suggests that Markkanen would be an excellent fit for the Lakers, urging the team to consider “emptying the asset collection” to acquire him.
“A quick scan of the current trade market posits that Utah Jazz swingman Lauri Markkanen is the best candidate for that role among reasonably available players,” Buckley wrote in a July 11 column. “It would, of course, require the Lakers to unload the entirety of their asset collection to land Markkanen. It’s hard to imagine anyone in L.A. not named LeBron James or Anthony Davis would be truly untouchable in a Markkanen trade.”
The Lakers’ assets include three first-round picks, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell, and other role players. Considering Markkanen is only making $18 million next season, aligning the salaries should not be challenging. If the Jazz see value in the Lakers’ draft picks, a trade is plausible.
**Lauri Markkanen: The Missing Piece for LA?**
Acquiring Markkanen could be a game-changer for the Lakers. He has averaged 24.5 points per game over the last two seasons while shooting 39.5% from three-point range. At 27, he is still an ascending player.
Markkanen would make an immediate impact in Los Angeles and provide a cornerstone for the future after LeBron James retires. Standing at 7 feet, he would form a formidable frontcourt alongside Anthony Davis. The main concern is that Markkanen is likely to demand a max contract after the season, which could be challenging if the Lakers already have three max players.
James has a player option for next season and could potentially opt-out or take a pay cut to help the Lakers afford Markkanen. He could also retire, freeing up salary space. A future duo of Davis and Markkanen, with the right supporting cast, should remain competitive in the playoffs.
**LeBron James Praises Lauri Markkanen**
LeBron James has publicly expressed admiration for Markkanen, calling him “one of my favorites” on the May 1 episode of the “Mind the Game” podcast. Markkanen, in turn, has been a long-time supporter of James, frequently wearing his shoes.
A trade for Markkanen seems like a promising match for Los Angeles, but it ultimately depends on whether the Jazz find the Lakers’ offer appealing.
