Breaking News: LA Lakers finally sign Lauri Markkanen for $85 Million’s from Utah Jazz today… See More…
In theory, the Los Angeles Lakers could have potentially already had Lauri Markkanen before the NBA trade deadline. At least, it’s possible.
The Lakers and the Utah Jazz made a big trade at the deadline. It simply did not bring Markkanen to Hollywood.
Instead, the Lakers landed Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley. Those were solid acquisitions. With that said, they may not have been enough for the Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers are having a mixed bag of a season so far, sitting 11-9 and out of the top six in the West. Every single one of their losses has come at the hands of a team above .500, which is a concerning trend for the Lakers who can’t match up to competition at a higher level. With a list of injuries plaguing the roster, the Lakers are falling behind the top of the West through the first 20 games of the season.
The offense has been particularly bad, as the Lakers have an offensive rating of 111.3, the fourth-worst in the NBA so far. Even with D’Angelo Russell playing well, the Lakers simply don’t have enough offensive weapons when LeBron is off the court. Austin Reaves has been a letdown to start the season, with other players on the roster excelling at defense.
The Utah Jazz are possibly looking to move on from Lauri Markkanen, who is continuing to play at an All-Star level on a rebuilding Jazz squad. This could be the perfect target for the Lakers.
Trade Details:
Utah Jazz Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jalen-Hood Schifino, 2028 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2030 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Lauri Markkanen
The Lakers will be forced to part with a talented frontcourt player along with the rookie point guard they drafted this summer. The expensive pick equity can’t be ignored either, but the 27-year-old Markkanen can be the fulcrum that helps the Lakers transition from one era into the next.
