According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, the Utah Jazz are “very open” to trading All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen — a development that has immediately reignited speculation about a potential blockbuster move involving the Los Angeles Lakers. With Markkanen’s name now circulating in trade talks, the Lakers are believed to be among the teams closely monitoring the situation.
The 27-year-old “Finnisher” averaged 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds last season while shooting 39% from beyond the arc. For a Lakers roster built around Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis, Markkanen’s combination of size and floor spacing could transform their offensive identity overnight.
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The Lakers spent the offseason making smaller adjustments — trading for Deandre Ayton, adding Marcus Smart for perimeter defense, and signing Jake LaRavia for wing depth — but none of those moves have dramatically shifted their championship odds. Adding Markkanen, however, would.
NBA insider Rohan Brahmbhatt of ClutchPoints argued that Markkanen’s presence could completely change how opposing defenses approach Los Angeles. “Adding Markkanen would also transform the Lakers’ offensive ceiling,” he wrote. “For years, spacing has been an Achilles’ heel, often clogging driving lanes for LeBron. With Markkanen on the floor, defenses would be forced to guard all five positions honestly.”
With Dončić now at the controls, a frontcourt featuring Ayton and Markkanen could be one of the league’s most versatile pairings — a blend of rim protection, shooting, and rebounding that balances the roster around its superstar guard.
Lakers Trade Rumors: What It Could Cost
The Jazz, who are expected to pivot toward a full rebuild around young players like Ace Bailey and Walker Kessler, would likely demand a major haul. The Lakers possess valuable future picks — including their unprotected 2031 first-rounder — along with tradeable contracts such as Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and rookie Dalton Knecht.
Bleacher Report floated a potential Lakers trade rumors of three-team framework involving Miami that would send Markkanen to Los Angeles in exchange for multiple picks and rotation players. The deal would be steep, but it could finally give the Lakers the elite shooting big they’ve lacked throughout the LeBron era.
For now, Utah’s phones are reportedly “ringing often,” per Marc Stein, and if the Jazz are serious about moving their All-Star, Los Angeles may be one of the first to call.
