NBA Trade Idea Lands Jazz Star Lauri Markkanen With Lakers

One NBA analyst proposed that the Los Angeles Lakers trade for Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen this offseason. 

Eddie Bitar of Fadeaway World proposed the following trade idea between the Lakers and Jazz:

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Lauri Markkanen

Utah Jazz Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, 2025 No. 55 Overall Pick, 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL)

Markkanen played in 47 games for the Jazz this season. He averaged 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.4 blocks while shooting 42.3% from the field, 34.6% from beyond the arc and 87.6% from the free-throw line. 

On paper, Markkanen appears to be a perfect fit next to Lakers superstars Luka Doncic and LeBron James because of his ability to shoot the ball, catch lobs and protect the rim. 

According to Sarah Todd of the Deseret News, the Jazz are willing to hear trade offers for Walker Kessler and Markkanen. Utah (17-65) had the worst record in the Western Conference this season.

“Numerous league sources have indicated that they believe the Jazz are going to be active over the next several weeks. Many expect that the Jazz are willing to hear offers that would include draft picks in the 2025 draft as well as players on the Jazz’s current roster,” Todd wrote.

“Obvious candidates for trade would be John Collins, Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson, who are all on expiring deals as of the 2025-26 season, but league sources have said that they expect for conversations to include Walker Kessler (who is extension eligible) and Lauri Markkanen.”

A one-time All-Star, Markkanen will make $46,394,100 next season. He has played for the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and Jazz. 

The Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of this year’s playoffs in five games. Doncic is expected to sign an extension with Los Angeles this offseason, while James is expected to pick up his player option for next season.