NBA Trade Idea Sends Lauri Markkanen From Utah Jazz To Los Angeles Lakers
An NBA trade idea sending Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz to the Los Angeles Lakers has been created.
NBA writer Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report proposed that the Lakers trade Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Maxi Kleber, Dalton Knecht, a 2026 first-round pick, a 2028 first-round pick swap and a 2032 first-round pick to the Jazz for Markkanen.
This NBA trade idea would pair Markkanen with Lakers stars Luka Dončić and LeBron James.
“The Los Angeles Lakers aren’t often listed among the potential Markkanen suitors, but they probably should be,” Bailey wrote. “Combining his finishing ability with Luka Dončić’s playmaking would make him one of the most dangerous scorers in the league.
“His skill set is also nowhere near as redundant alongside Luka and LeBron James as Austin Reaves’ is. And, at 28 years old, with a contract that runs through 2028-29, Markkanen will almost certainly outlast LeBron in L.A. He’s a natural fit as Luka’s long-term No. 2.”
Markkanen is one of the top players in the NBA. He averaged 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.4 blocks for the Jazz last season in 47 games while shooting 42.3% from the field, 34.6% from beyond the arc and 87.6% from the free-throw line.
The Jazz had the worst record in the NBA last season. They went 17-65.
Meanwhile, the Lakers were the third seed in the West but lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs in five games.
Markkanen has played for the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and Jazz, compiling averages of 18.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks. The big man doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract.
The Lakers could start Dončić, Marcus Smart, James, Markkanen and Deandre Ayton. Markkanen, 28, will make $46.4 million this season.
Latest NBA News & Rumors
- NBA Rumors: Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum ‘Has A Goal In His Mind That He Wants To Play’ This Season
- NBA Rumors: Utah Jazz ‘Very Open’ To Trading Lauri Markkanen
- NBA News: Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James ‘Super-Duper Proud’ Of Luka Dončić Getting In Elite Shape
