Report: Lakers Interested In Trading For John Collins

Collins played in 40 games for the Jazz this season. He averaged 19.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 52.7% from the field, 39.9% from beyond the arc and 84.8% from the free-throw line. 

The Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of this year’s playoffs in five games. Los Angeles head coach JJ Redick played without a center in the second half of Game 4 and all of Game 5. 

Los Angeles needs a center after trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade.

Rob Pelinka told local reporters during his end-of-the-season press conference that he will attempt to acquire a center this offseason. 

“We know this offseason, one of our primary goals is going to be to add size in our frontcourt at the center position,” Pelinka said. “This roster needs more size and needs a center. That’s a very clear and obvious by-product of trading potentially the best big in the league to Dallas to get a point guard. Of course, that’s going to open up a huge hole.

“The trade deadline and the moments up to it don’t allow you the requisite time to explore every single unturned stone to add a big to our roster. We just didn’t have the time after the Luka trade. But now we do.” 

Collins has played for the Atlanta Hawks and Jazz. He has career averages of 16.0 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 472 NBA games.