{"id":58761,"date":"2023-11-19T07:00:21","date_gmt":"2023-11-19T12:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=58761"},"modified":"2023-11-18T23:25:05","modified_gmt":"2023-11-19T04:25:05","slug":"lakers-rumors-fans-want-team-to-trade-for-former-all-star","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2023\/11\/19\/lakers-rumors-fans-want-team-to-trade-for-former-all-star\/","title":{"rendered":"Lakers Rumors: Fans Want Team to Trade for Former All-Star"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Lakers are currently 7-6 and are already in the mix of trade rumors surrounding the Chicago Bulls. However, fans have pointed to another potential \u201cwin-now\u201d move involving a franchise that\u2019s currently rebuilding: the Utah Jazz and, specifically, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/markkla01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Lauri Markkannen<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Utah Jazz are currently 4-8 and have a couple more seasons to go before they\u2019re back in postseason contention. Markkanen\u2014the 2023 Most Improved Player\u2014is currently averaging 23.7 points per game on .477\/.419\/.867 splits. It\u2019s also worth noting that he\u2019s in the final year of a four-year, $67 million contract signed in 2021 (2024-25 is partially guaranteed). With all of that in mind, a recent hypothetical scenario has Laker fans debating whether the Finnish forward can join <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jamesle01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>LeBron James<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/davisan02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Anthony Davis<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The Jazz are 4-8<\/p>\n<p>He\u2019s shooting 42% from 3 <\/p>\n<p>He\u2019s the archetype that Lebron turns into NBA champion<\/p>\n<p>He has 1 non-gtd yr left on an 18M contract<\/p>\n<p>Lakers have young players, picks &amp; salaries if Sir Lauri Markkanen wants to WIN and Jazz want to avoid maxing him out <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/nB4PGCmhJG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/nB4PGCmhJG<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/50yEDuzdVB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/50yEDuzdVB<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; \ud83c\udfc6LakersGuru\ud83c\udfc6 (@GuruLakers) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/GuruLakers\/status\/1725937474793558055?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">November 18, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h2>Lakers Rumors: Fans Want Team to Trade for Former All-Star<\/h2>\n<h3><b>Benefits of Lauri Markkanen Joining the Lakers<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As outlined above, Markkanen would bring plenty of positives to the Lakers. He has broken out as a 26-year-old combo forward, being the current face of a struggling Jazz team. Last season, he averaged 25.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game while shooting nearly 50% from the field. Markkanen would also provide tremendous flexibility and versatility for LA\u2019s frontcourt. He\u2019s able to play all three positions while spacing the floor and protecting the paint\u2014two areas of dire improvement for the Lakers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Markkanen coming to the Lakers would also signal some more relief for James and Davis, who currently have to rely on their guards for most of the scoring. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/reddica01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Cam Reddish<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has played well as a backup wing, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/princta02.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Taurean Prince<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> had his moments as a starter. However, most of these opportunities have fallen on Russell or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/r\/reaveau01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Austin Reaves<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, who has recently taken charge of the second unit. Markkanen would solve that problem by giving LA a reliable forward, which would be critical in stretches without LA\u2019s superstar duo.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Is a Lakers-Jazz Trade Feasible?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As much as some Laker fans may prefer Markkanen to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/l\/lavinza01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Zach LaVine<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/derozde01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>DeMar DeRozan<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, it\u2019s worth pumping the brakes on the idea for several reasons. Aside from the Jazz not being open to trading their star forward, the Lakers would not be able to compete with rival offers. It\u2019s especially true for teams that could offer multiple young players with All-Star potential and a plethora of first-round draft picks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All hope is not lost, however. There are ways to match Markkanen\u2019s $17 million salary without the inclusion of Russell or Reaves\u2014both of whom would take a backseat if Lauri joined the Lakers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One method would be as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Lauri would be a perfect fit as second big for Lakers. Not sure Utah would bite but I would offer the unprotected 2029 and 2027 if picks 1-4 plus Vincent, Prince, and Christie for a 12\/15 trade. Doubt Utah would bite but I&#39;d love to try and get Lauri or even Olynyk from them. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/2IJubj2KbC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/2IJubj2KbC<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/BDg1WFzOO5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/BDg1WFzOO5<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; LakerTom (@LakerTom) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/LakerTom\/status\/1726061366774301028?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">November 19, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It may be the best route to get Markkanen to LA without giving up key players. However, a package of role players and one protected pick will not satisfy Utah\u2019s front office.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another possibility would have to involve one of Russell or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/hachiru01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Rui Hachimura<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Both of them are vital parts of the team and re-signed with the Lakers to major multi-year deals. Again, it\u2019s doubtful that the Lakers will move on from those two for less than a year of Lauri Markkanen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CBS Sports reporter Sam Quinn weighed in on the possibility of a Markkanen trade to the Lakers (or a trade at all, for that matter):<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">If the Jazz really were to consider trades for Lauri Markkanen (which I don\u2019t think is as crazy as some might, but still absolutely don\u2019t think they will), he\u2019d get more back than the Lakers could give. He\u2019s like a 2-3 firsts plus a good young player type of haul. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/NOuc8vLgP0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/t.co\/NOuc8vLgP0<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SamQuinnCBS\/status\/1726003692497699211?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">November 18, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Based on that speculation, the odds of the Lakers landing Markkanen\u2014if he becomes available\u2014are very low.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>The Last Word<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s reasonable as to why Laker fans would want Markkanen: he\u2019s having an excellent season, would fit like a glove next to James and Davis, and would end up in a far better situation than the one he\u2019s currently in. For now, though, Markannen joining the Lakers is a longer shot than LeBron&#8217;s logo threes. Instead, Lakers fans should keep their eyes on current rumors surrounding the Bulls\u2014particularly <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/carusal01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><b>Alex Caruso<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2014instead of worrying about whether the Jazz will put their lone All-Star on the trading block after a year and change in Utah.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Lakers are currently 7-6 and are already in the mix of trade rumors surrounding the Chicago Bulls. However, fans have pointed to another potential \u201cwin-now\u201d move involving a franchise that\u2019s currently rebuilding: the Utah Jazz and, specifically, Lauri Markkannen. The Utah Jazz are currently 4-8 and have a couple more seasons to go before [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4265,"featured_media":58763,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1608,26,62,4721,24],"tags":[240,4556,1683,307,4921,926,38,4916,1749,1383],"class_list":["post-58761","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basketball","category-lakers","category-nba","category-trade-rumors","category-jazz","tag-anthony-davis","tag-austin-reaves","tag-cam-reddish","tag-dangelo-russell","tag-gabe-vincent","tag-lauri-markkanen","tag-lebron-james","tag-max-christie","tag-rui-hachimura","tag-taurean-prince"],"modified_by":"Jordan Pagkalinawan","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58761","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4265"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=58761"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58761\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/58763"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58761"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=58761"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=58761"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}