So far this summer, the Los Angeles Lakers have explored the market without success. Their only significant additions to the roster have been rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James, with only Knecht capable of serving as a rotational player. Aside from that, the Lakers are returning all of their players from last season’s first-round exit.
The Lakers were unable to acquire a long list of players, led by Klay Thompson and Buddy Hield, with other Lakers players, including as D’Angelo Russell, apparently having little trade value. Teams in the West, including the Warriors, are pursuing Utah Jazz All-Star Lauri Markkanen. To avoid being jumped by another rival, the Lakers may have to overpay to outperform the Jazz and establish their own big three in Los Angeles.
Trade Details:
LA Lakers Receive: Lauri Markannen
Utah Jazz acquire: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, 2028 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL), and 2031 First-Round Pick.
This deal may be reckless on Rob Pelinka’s side to complete given the long-term equity he’s giving up for a win-now talent to maximize LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ next few seasons in their primes. However, given what they’re rejecting from the Warriors, this is the only deal that the Jazz are likely to accept, and it would truly transform the Lakers into short-term contenders.
The Lakers emerge as a top team in the West.
The Lakers have a solid rotation with some flaws, particularly on the offensive end. They missed Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent from their rotation due to lengthy injury layoffs, while players like Max Christie were underutilized under Darvin Ham. The arrival of Lauri Markkanen, who averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, would give the Lakers a solid starting lineup with complementary players.
Markkanen would be an ideal offensive fit, able to spread the floor while also controlling the offence in non-LeBron minutes, which was a major concern for the Lakers last season. His improved playmaking and consistent shooting make him a good fit in almost every lineup permutation for the Lakers. In non-Davis minutes, he could run a frontcourt with Vanderbilt and benefit from James and Davis’ scoring prowess.
Austin Reaves will be missed in the guard rotation, but this could free up minutes for a tougher 3-and-D defender like Christie. It may increase reliance on D’Angelo Russell, but the version of Russell we saw after February of last season could be just what they need in a team with LeBron as the primary creator and three significant offensive alternatives. To avoid spending another season in trade rumours for a new point guard, he’d have to take advantage of open opportunities while playmaking as needed.
The Jazz acquire the Lakers’ best assets.
After completing this transaction, the Jazz would effectively hold four years’ worth of Lakers draft picks, considering they already own the 2027 pick from the Russell Westbrook trade. No team has more significant future assets than the Lakers, especially with LeBron likely to retire soon. This is a price the Jazz cannot refuse, since it provides them with three fresh selections as well as a valuable asset in Austin Reaves, whom the Lakers have refused to move despite significant interest from competitors over the last two seasons.
Reaves averaged 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, establishing himself as a reliable combo guard for a contender. The Jazz may not even want to use the 26-year-old, but his low-cost long-term contract may entice him to join another team. It would result in a decent return for the Jazz, who would add assets to the original Donovan Mitchell trade that brought them Markkanen in the first place.
Rui Hachimura would be a lacklustre addition with little market value. If he is not immediately deployed beside Reaves, he has the potential to develop into a strong rotating forward for the Jazz. He may not produce a first-round pick for the Jazz, but the 26-year-old forward still has potential. The picks are the main prize, with the addition of Austin Reaves as an option to grow or trade an intriguing bonus.
The Lakers will have to pay far too much.
Lauri Markkanen could be the ideal offensive complement to LeBron and AD in the modern NBA. He offers size, is a capable shooter, and a high-energy rebounder. He thrived under JJ Redick’s unique offensive ideas, earning the opportunity to play in the NBA playoffs for the first time in his seven-year career. However, it raises numerous questions for the Lakers, which the Jazz will benefit from.
Given the magnitude of their value, this deal could be worth it for one first-round selection less, but the Jazz aren’t in a hurry to sell Markkanen, who is content in Utah. The Lakers will have to make an offer they can’t refuse, and the pieces in this trade are incredibly appealing. Getting the Lakers to trade Reaves is a big thing, but if they do it with three future selections, the Jazz will be unable to say no.
Offloading both Reaves and Hachimura for Markkanen’s $18 million salary this season would put the Lakers under the tax line. However, the forward will be a free agency next season, implying that the Lakers will add another large payroll alongside LeBron and Davis, which is a completely different concern. The Lakers may want to avoid this deal for a variety of reasons, but they should be aware that it could be the finest win-now move the organization can make right now.
Leave a Reply