The Los Angeles Lakers have not been shy on the trade market in the past decade or so.
First sending a package to New Orleans to bring in elite big man Anthony Davis, then flipping him for a generational Luka Dončić.
Now, Newsweek’s Ricardo Klein believes that the Lakers could be in the market for a unique big man.
“While the trade helps them in the long run, (Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, unprotected 2031 first-round pick to the Utah Jazz, Lauri Markkanen to the Lakers.) Adding a 7-footer who can play either forward position and fill short bursts as a stretch-5 gives the Lakers a ton of versatility with their lineups and helps an offense that ranked 12th out of 16 teams this postseason.” Klein wrote Monday.
Although Markkanen didn’t perform like a player of his caliber this season, he still would act as a fourth star for the Lakers to compete with.
His ability to play off the dribble as a seven-footer is very unique and shows shades of Kevin Durant.
Just two seasons ago, Markkanen was awarded the Most Improved Player of the year when he averaged 25.6 points per game, over 10 more than the previous season.
While he has declined since then, the Finnish 28-year-old still possesses all the same skills, albeit in a less favorable environment.
The Utah Jazz finished dead last in the NBA with a 17-65 record, and Lauri likely struggled with the team built around him.
The package of Hachimura, Knecht, Vincent, and a pick could suffice for a rebuilding Jazz team.
We could soon see the Lakers bring in the big man they have been so eager to do.
