The Los Angeles Lakers have spent the better part of the offseason attempting to create a title-contending roster. While their efforts have seen them put together a formidable unit with some solid free agency signings, following their recent preseason performances, it is becoming evident that the Lakers could still be some moves away from emerging as a contender.
Since Luka Doncic‘s contract extension, the Lakers’ front office has shown an inclination to make bigger moves, with reports suggesting that the team would not be averse to triggering a trade to improve the roster.
While several potential targets have been outlined, Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey presented a trade idea that would help the Purple and Gold acquire a highly sought-after talent. Here’s Bailey’s trade proposal:
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Lauri Markkanen
Utah Jazz Receive: Austin Reaves, Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht, 2026 first-round pick, 2028 first-round pick swap, 2032 first-round pick
Bailey’s trade proposal may have some flaws, but let’s begin by exploring the merits.
The Jazz Get A Haul Of Assets
This trade idea is aligned with the Utah Jazz‘s trade practices over the last few years. With an emphasis on draft capital, young talent, and expiring contracts, Bailey’s trade proposal caters to all three.
In this scenario, the Jazz come away with a haul. With two (potentially three) first-round picks, Utah expands upon its pre-existing wealth of draft assets. Additionally, by adding an expiring contract like Maxi Kleber, who is unlikely to be an impact player in the rotation, the Jazz could look to clear up $11.0 million in cap space next season.
While these two already have enough merit, the Jazz would also acquire Austin Reaves and Dalton Knecht as part of this trade.
Reaves’ acquisition could be particularly significant for Utah. The 27-year-old guard has been touted as one of the most valuable assets on the Lakers’ roster. Last season, he averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, shooting 46.0% from the field and 37.7% from three-point range.
Given his development over the last few seasons, Reaves has established himself as a key facilitator and scorer on the roster, effectively carving out his position as the Lakers’ third star.
While reports regarding his upcoming extension have raised concerns regarding his potential departure, the Purple and Gold could look to make the most of his contract by triggering a trade, laying the groundwork for this scenario.
Along with Reaves, the Jazz would also land a talented young sharpshooter in Dalton Knecht. Recent reports have indicated that the Lakers view the 24-year-old as a negative asset, owing to his underwhelming performances in the preseason. With the likelihood of his departure increasing, a trade of this nature wouldn’t be out of the question.
Utah could see merit in Knecht’s acquisition. The guard has positioned himself as a legitimate perimeter threat, although he is a versatile scorer, too. In a system like Utah’s, which features young talent, the 24-year-old could earn a place in the rotation, potentially competing for minutes with Svi Mykhailiuk.
Last season, Knecht averaged 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game on 46.1% shooting overall and 37.6% from three-point range. Although his preseason stats haven’t been up to par, in a different system with a more relevant role, the guard could develop into a solid rotation piece.
The Lakers Acquire Lauri Markkanen
Lauri Markkanen has long since been linked with the Los Angeles Lakers. Although the possibilities of landing Markkanen emerged earlier in the offseason, along with Walker Kessler, the Jazz shut down negotiations after expressing their intent to retain both players.
Markkanen is an incredibly gifted offensive player. Coming off an impressive run with Finland at EuroBasket, the 28-year-old has garnered significant trade interest from teams around the league, and rightfully so.
At 7’0″, the Jazz forward boasts tremendous agility for his size and a versatile offensive skill set that makes him a multi-level scoring threat. All things considered, Markkanen is the complete offensive package.
Last season, the forward only appeared in 47 games, owing to recurring injuries. However, he still put up an average of 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 0.7 steals per game, shooting 42.3% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range.
In this trade scenario, Markkanen would be joining the Lakers duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic. The forward’s length and floor-spacing ability pair well with the playmaking skill of the Lakers’ duo. As a finisher, Markkanen possesses the tools to be successful next to them.
Bailey additionally notes that Markkanen’s contract ensures that he will remain on the Lakers even after James’ tenure is up. With that in mind, having the forward take on the role of playing second fiddle to Doncic seems reasonable.
Why Doesn’t This Deal Work?
While there is certainly merit in this trade, there are enough reasons to suggest that this deal wouldn’t benefit either team.
Although giving up Markkanen would put the Jazz in a position to continue building through the draft, it goes against their plans of becoming a competitive team in the future. By trading away their star, Utah put themselves in an awkward position, forcing them to restructure their approach.
For the Lakers, this trade scenario is highly unreasonable. Although the logic behind trading Reaves seems plausible, given his value to the team, it would be unwise for the Purple and Gold to part with the guard.
Additionally, the Purple and Gold have already limited their prospects by trading away several draft picks. Considering that they barely have any draft capital left, pursuing this trade would leave their reserves depleted, potentially leaving them vulnerable in the future.
