The Los Angeles Lakers have scoured the market and come up empty so far this summer. Their only major additions to the roster have come through rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James, with only Knecht being capable of contributing as a rotational player. Outside of that, the Lakers are running it back with all their players from last season’s first-round exit coming back.
The Lakers couldn’t land a long list of players headlined by Klay Thompson and Buddy Hield, with other Lakers players like D’Angelo Russell reportedly having minimal trade value. Teams in the West like the Warriors are trying to acquire Utah Jazz All-Star Lauri Markkanen. To avoid getting jumped by another rival, the Lakers might need to overpay to blow the Jazz away and create their own big three in Los Angeles.
Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Lauri Markannen
Utah Jazz Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, 2028 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL)
This deal might just be irresponsible on Rob Pelinka’s part to execute given the long-term equity he’s throwing away for a win-now player to maximize the final few seasons of LeBron James and Anthony Davis in their prime. However, this is the only deal that the Jazz would likely accept given what they’re turning down from the Warriors, and is a deal that would genuinely transform the Lakers into short-term contenders.
The Lakers Emerge As A Top Team In The West
The Lakers have a robust rotation with imperfect parts, especially on the offensive end. They missed players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent from their rotation due to long injury layoffs while players like Max Christie weren’t utilized enough under Darvin Ham. With the addition of Lauri Markkanen, who averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, the Lakers would have a strong starting lineup of complimentary pieces.
Markkanen would be a seamless offensive fit, being able to stretch the floor while also running the offense in non-LeBron minutes, a crucial issue for the Lakers last season. His improved playmaking and reliable shotmaking make him a compatible fit with almost every lineup variation for the Lakers. He could run a frontcourt with Vanderbilt in non-Davis minutes and thrive off the offensive gravity of both James and Davis while playing alongside them.
Austin Reaves will be missed in the guard rotation, but that could open up minutes for a gritter 3-and-D defender like Christie. It might increase reliance on D’Angelo Russell, but the version of Russell we saw after February last season might be exactly what they need in a lineup with LeBron as the primary creator and three major offensive options. He’d have to maximize open opportunities while playmaking when necessary to not spend another season in trade rumors for a new point guard.
The Jazz Take The Lakers Best Assets
After executing this deal, the Jazz would virtually control four years’ of Lakers draft picks as they already own their 2027 pick from the Russell Westbrook trade. There’s no team who’s future assets are as valuable as the Lakers, especially with LeBron likely retiring soon. This is a price the Jazz cannot say no to, as it gives them three new picks along with a strong asset like Austin Reaves, who the Lakers have refused to trade over the last two seasons despite major interest from rivals.
Reaves averaged 15.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.5 assists, establishing himself as a solid combo guard on a contender. The Jazz might not even want to use the 26-year-old but could float him to a new team on the market with his affordable long-term contract. It would net a decent return for the Jazz, who’d further add assets to the initial Donovan Mitchell trade which got them Markkanen in the first place.
Rui Hachimura would be a middling addition with low value on the market. He could emerge as a solid rotational forward on the Jazz if not promptly moved alongside Reaves. He might not get the Jazz a first-round pick, but there’s still potential to be unearthed with the 26-year-old forward. The picks are the main prize, with the acquisition of Austin Reaves to either grow or trade an intriguing bonus.
The Lakers Will Have To Pay Way Too Much
Lauri Markkanen might be the perfect offensive fit next to LeBron and AD in the modern NBA. He adds size, is comfortable shooting the ball, and is a high-energy rebounder. He would thrive under the innovative offensive ideas of JJ Redick, getting a chance to go to the Playoffs for the first time in his seven-year NBA career. However, it raises a lot of questions for the Lakers which the Jazz will benefit from.
This deal could be worth it for one first-round pick less given the magnitude of their value, but the Jazz are in no rush to trade Markkanen with the Finnish forward happy and settled in Utah himself. The Lakers will have to present an offer they can’t say no to, and the pieces in this trade are extremely tantalizing. Getting the Lakers to give up Reaves is a big deal, but if they do so along with three future picks, the Jazz simply won’t be able to say no.
The Lakers would fall under the tax line by offloading both Reaves and Hachimura for Markkanen’s $18 million contract this season. But the forward will be a free agent next season, meaning the Lakers will add another huge salary next to LeBron and Davis next season, a different worry entirely. It might be best for the Lakers to stay away from this deal for a variety of reasons, but with the knowledge that this might be the best win-now deal the franchise could make right now.
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