LeBron James complimented Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen in the latest episode of the ‘Mind the Game’ podcast. James called Lauri one of his favorite players in the league while revealing that the Jazz forward has been a LeBron fan himself.
“He’s one of my favorites. He’s been a LeBron supporter for a long time. He wears my shoes, till this year, and then Nike came out with something. We got some talks to do, in the Nike world. But I love that guy, he’s so good.”
“One of my favorites.. he’s been a LeBron supporter for a long time, I love that guy he’s so good”
– LeBron on Lauri Markkanen
Via – @mindthegamepod pic.twitter.com/h2nUPUwU8o
— ²³ (@SpeakContext) May 1, 2024
Markkanen has rapidly improved his stock in the NBA over the last two seasons. After a promising rookie campaign with the Chicago Bulls in 2017-18 amounted to nothing, Markkanen found himself signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2021. One solid season later, the Cavaliers would flip him to the Utah Jazz to acquire Donovan Mitchell.
That move to Utah changed the trajectory of Lauri’s career, as he’s made the All-Star team in both his seasons with the franchise. He’s averaged 24.5 points and 8.4 rebounds since joining the Jazz and has quickly emerged as a cornerstone piece amidst the Jazz’s recent struggles.
Markkanen is entering the final year of his contract, which means there’ll be heavy trade interest in him all season. If the Jazz are unwilling to part with the Finnish forward, he’s in line for a massive extension with the rebuilding team.
Could Lauri Markkanen Be A Target For The Lakers?
The Los Angeles Lakers are going to look to make massive improvements to their roster in the summer. One scenario could see them lose LeBron in free agency, which would require them to pivot to finding Anthony Davis a new co-star. A player like Markkanen would be the ideal target in that situation, given his affordable contract for the 2024-25 season ($18 million).
That contract also means that he’d be a great addition alongside LeBron and Davis. The Lakers could give the Jazz a useful player like Rui Hachimura or one of their guards like D’Angelo Russell or Austin Reaves in a trade for Lauri. Any of those players leaving is not as significant as a player of Markkanen’s caliber joining.
Lauri stands nearly 7 feet tall and has one of the most reliable jumpers in the NBA. His efficiency dipped over the last season in the face of far more challenging defensive coverages, but playing as a secondary or tertiary offensive option next to James and Davis would allow his game to shine in a way he hasn’t had the opportunity to show before.
Lauri has never played with an elite playmaker or on a team with winning ambitions, so a switch to the Lakers would make sense. However, the Jazz will not let him go easily and will require a heavy price to be paid through draft picks to make this happen.
Markkanen being on an expiring contract could drive the price down a little, but if the Lakers are looking to make this move, they will need to be sure this is what they need.
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