While the Lakers keep considering potential acquisitions this offseason, one rival executive reportedly believes that a former All-Star would be perfect in the purple and gold, being an ideal candidate for the team’s present and future.
Lakers Rumors: Rival Exec Says All-Star is LA’s “Dream Target”
The Target in Question
A Western Conference GM told Heavy Sports’ Sean Deveney that Jazz star Lauri Markkanen would be a “dream target” for the Lakers, among other teams:
“The Lakers, you get a guy like him with Anthony Davis, and that’s perfect for both guys. The Knicks would love to get hold of him. The Heat, again, put him with Bam (Adebayo) and that is the pair you want to build around, you can send Jimmy (Butler) wherever he wants. Just the floor-spacing aspect of it, it’s so valuable. He could make things easier on your stars.”
That executive also surmised that LA’s best offer would be a package around Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and two first-round picks, noting it could (and likely would) be beaten by “a long list” of rival offers.
This season, Markkanen propelled the Jazz from a 4-8 start to a 22-20 record by mid-January. Utah couldn’t find their footing, however, and finished with a 31-51 record (12th in the West). The 27-year-old averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and two assists per game. He shot 48% from the field, nearly 40% from three and 90% from the free-throw line.
Would Lauri to LA Make Sense Now?
Some Laker fans have wanted the team to trade for Markkanen since the beginning of the season. Lauri continued to turn heads as a 7-foot sharpshooter this year, and he continued to take charge despite an injury-riddled campaign.
In the case of the Lakers, Markkanen’s size and shooting would do wonders next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, patching holes that have prevented them from being serious title contenders. He would not only provide some relief to LA’s dynamic duo, but also reduce the workload of the team’s supporting cast. The Finnish forward a unique player who has quickly proven his worth in the league. It makes sense why the Lakers—or any other contender—would try and pry him away if given the chance.
However, Utah’s current plan is to build around Markkanen, and that won’t change because of another poor season. Even if CEO Danny Ainge is aiming to build a title contender—which is the case, according to Deveney’s source—then trades could be made involving John Collins or Jordan Clarkson. Such deals are also under consideration, per multiple reports. Ainge has previously expressed a desire to go “big-game hunting” this summer. It seems the only way he and the Jazz will get back to the postseason is by working with and around their star player as he enters his prime.
As excellent as Markkanen would be for the Lakers and their current plans, he remains just that—a dream scenario. Things could change as the summer goes on, but both sides are better off looking to other avenues for improvement.
