Lakers Rumors: Fans Want Team To Trade For Former All-Star

November 20, 2023 sport_zone27 Uncategorized 0

The Lakers are currently 7-6 and have already been included in trade rumors involving the Chicago Bulls. However, fans have pointed to another potential “win-now” trade involving a rebuilding franchise: the Utah Jazz and, in particular, Lauri Markkannen.

The Utah Jazz are now 4-8 and have two more seasons before they can return to postseason contention. Markkanen, the 2023 Most Improved Player, is now averaging 23.7 points per game with splits of.477/.419/.867. It’s also worth remembering that he’s in the final year of a four-year, $67 million contract signed in 2021 (2024-25 is guaranteed in part). With all of that in mind, Laker fans are arguing if the Finnish forward can join LeBron James and Anthony Davis in a recent hypothetical scenario.

Benefits of Lauri Markkanen Joining the Lakers

As previously said, Markkanen would bring numerous benefits to the Lakers. As a 26-year-old combo forward, he has emerged as the current face of a struggling Jazz team. He averaged 25.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game last season while shooting over 50% from the field. Markkanen would also add a lot of variety and flexibility to LA’s frontcourt. He can play all three spots while spacing the floor and protecting the paint, both of which the Lakers desperately need to improve.

Markkanen joining the Lakers would also provide some relief for James and Davis, who are now forced to rely on their guards for the majority of their scoring. Cam Reddish has performed admirably as a backup wing, and Taurean Prince has shown promise as a starter. The majority of these opportunities, however, have fallen to Russell or Austin Reaves, who has lately taken over command of the second unit. Markkanen would fix that problem by providing LA with a reliable forward, which would be important during stretches when the team’s superstar pair was out.

Is a Lakers-Jazz Trade Feasible?

As much as some Laker fans prefer Markkanen to Zach LaVine or DeMar DeRozan, the concept should be put on hold for a few reasons. Aside from the Jazz’s refusal to trade their star forward, the Lakers would be unable to compete with competing bids. It’s especially true for clubs with an abundance of first-round draft picks and numerous young players with All-Star potential.

However, all hope is not gone. There are ways to match Markkanen’s $17 million salary without bringing in Russell or Reaves, both of whom would be sidelined if Lauri joined the Lakers.

One method would be as follows:

It could be the best way to send Markkanen to Los Angeles without sacrificing key players. A bundle of role players and one protected choice, on the other hand, will not please Utah’s front staff.

Another candidate would be either Russell or Rui Hachimura. Both are important members of the squad and have re-signed with the Lakers on multi-year contracts. Again, the Lakers are unlikely to part ways with those two for less than a year of Lauri Markkanen.

Sam Quinn of CBS Sports commented on the prospect of a Markkanen deal to the Lakers (or any trade at all):

Based on that speculation, the odds of the Lakers landing Markkanen—if he becomes available—are very low.

The Last Word

It’s understandable why Laker fans would want Markkanen: he’s having a fantastic season, would fit in well next to James and Davis, and would finish up in a lot better scenario than he is now. For the time being, Markannen joining the Lakers is as unlikely as LeBron’s logo threes. Instead of worrying about whether the Jazz will trade their lone All-Star after a year and a half in Utah, Lakers supporters should focus on current rumors surrounding the Bulls, notably Alex Caruso.

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