There are all kinds of trade pitches floating around right now for the Los Angeles Lakers, because the team is under pressure to get back in top form for the upcoming season. A legendary franchise like the Lakers can’t risk having another season where they aren’t a major contender, so head coach JJ Redick and company are working during the offseason to try to fill some gaps in the lineup.
The Lakers, of course, are in need of a solid center, and the majority of the trade talk happening right now is about landing the team a center as a trade or in free agency. But, that’s not the only position that needs attention. They could use a solid power forward, among other positions, so when looking at possible trades, it makes sense to look at a range of players in different positions.
No matter the position, the Los Angeles Lakers should move quickly to secure some help going into the 2025-26 season to compliment star player LeBron James. While trading for Luka Doncic to play with James was a massive move during the last season, it’s not going to be enough to put them over the edge.
That’s where the idea of an unexpected trade surfaces. Following the first night of the NBA draft, this trade might just make sense.
GettyLeBron James #23 and Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers shake hands.
An Under-the-Radar Los Angeles Lakers Trade Idea
During the first night of the NBA draft on Wednesday, June 25, the Utah Jazz selected Ace Bailey with the No. 5 pick. In a feature published the same evening, Jerry Trotta of Lake Show Life says that the move “might have just opened that door for president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka.”
Trotta also points out that big changes have to happen for the Lakers, stating that “in all honesty, a complete overhaul might be necessary in order to vault the Lakers back into contention.” One big move could be bringing Lauri Markkanen, who is on a $238 Million extension with the Utah Jazz, into the fold.
“With reports confirming that the Jazz will keep Bailey, who didn’t work out for a single team before Wednesday night, the Lakers should set their sights on Lauri Markkanen,” Trotta notes.
So, while it’s not really known if Utah will want to trade Markkanen, Trotta notes that forward John Collins picked up his $26.2 million player option, which supports the idea of a Markkanen trade.
“This could be the perfect opportunity for the ever-stubborn Danny Ainge to finally cash in on Markkanen,” Trotta adds. “The Lakers have the assets to pull off such a trade thanks to Pelinka taking Nico Harrison to the cleaners in the Doncic negotiation.”
What Makes Markkanen a Fit With the Lakers
Markkanen could be a solid fit with the Los Angeles Lakers. The trade would cost the franchise a lot of cash, but these kinds of moves have to be made if the Lakers are expected to be contenders again. Markkanen would be the perfect match with LeBron and Doncic, and watching these players on the court would be a joy.
“The Lakers didn’t give the Timberwolves much of a fight in the first round,” Trotta states in the piece. “If they intend to contend again before James retires, they need to make another big swing.” He adds, “Markkanen might not be the biggest swing in terms of stardom, but he might be the best fit on paper,” and that makes sense.
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