To acquire a $18 million star, the Lakers would “empty the cupboard” in a trade pitch.
The Los Angeles Lakers never have trouble acquiring stars through trades or free agency, but this summer hasn’t been the same – at least not yet.
On Sunday, July 14, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report discussed the legendary organization’s constrained choices as NBA Summer League begins and the Summer Olympics in Paris draw near at the end of the month. One of the three alternatives that Knox mentioned was what he called a desperate attempt to “empty the cupboard” in order to make a deal for Utah Jazz player Lauri Markkanen.
Knox noted, “Los Angeles is trying to close a deal by using its first-round selections in 2029 and 2031 as trade capital.” It might be possible to come up with a contract match for Marrkkanen, who is expected to make just $18 million this season, but the Jazz would probably require important players like Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and Max Christie.
If the Lakers want to trade for Lauri Markkanen, they have to give up more than they want
Situations can change in the upcoming weeks until August 6, which is when Utah can extend Markkanen. At that time, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports that the Jazz can offer Markkanen an extension on a four-year contract for up to $209 million.
According to rumors around the league, Markannen’s trade value might increase if he signs that contract, according to ESPN’s Tim McMahon, who discussed this on the July 11 edition of “The Lowe Post” podcast. The chance of talks and Markkanen being a one-year rental who becomes free agent the following season would be eliminated if Markkanen were under contract for the next five years.
Since Markkanen will play next season at $18 million due to the salary cap hit in the fourth year of his current four-year agreement for $67.5 million overall, the matching salary requirement will remain unchanged. Thus, the Lakers could still make a theoretical offer to D’Angelo Russell, who would receive $18.7 million in salary for the upcoming season, along with both of their transferable first-round selections (2029, 2031), which is undoubtedly what Los Angeles would like.
Knox is right when he says that the Jazz won’t be able to let go of the 7-footer, who averaged over 23 points and 8 rebounds in his final season after leading the team in 2022–23 with 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game on 39%–plus 3-point shooting (7.7 attempts per game).
Lauri Markkanen, the player close to the Lakers, would think about trading Austin Reaves to get a possible trade target from the Nuggets. Markkanen Lauri (right)
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During an NBA game, Utah Jazz player Lauri Markkanen (right) drives the ball against Los Angeles Lakers player Anthony Davis (left).
Reaves is widely regarded as the Lakers’ third-best player on the team, behind only LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and the Lakers won’t trade him for anything less than a proven NBA great.
On June 24, Jovan Buha of The Athletic stated that “the Lakers, by all indications, are not trying to trade Austin Reaves unless it is an All-Star-level guy.” “Even then, it seems like it’s not just a fringe All-Star type, but a real All-Star.”
Markkanen is most likely walking the line that Buha claimed L.A. had drawn about the kind of player it wants to acquire in exchange for Reaves and its two best draft picks over the following seven years. Nevertheless, it is a move that may make sense for both parties if the Lakers feel that Markkanen fits in well with the rest of the team.
Lakers Could Construct An Alluring Deal for Lauri Markkanen Using Austin Reaves and a number of Getty draft assets
CEO of the Utah Jazz’s basketball operations is Danny Ainge.
The Jazz aim to set themselves up for top choices in the next two drafts, both of which are loaded with talent, so they don’t need a player as excellent as Markkanen on the squad the next season.
Given that James will turn 40 in October and that Davis is a 31-year-old with a lengthy history of injuries, it seems sense to bet against the Lakers being a dominating team in five to seven years. As the team continues its rebuild, Los Angeles may also add other choice swaps in 2026, 2028, and 2030, which Utah may also value highly given their anticipated timeframe for competition with the best teams in the Western Conference.
In addition, Reaves has a three-year deal for little less than $13 million, $14 million, and $15 million annually, respectively, with a player option for the final season in 2026–2027.
By trading Markkanen and sitting in the tank for the next two drafts, Utah may set itself up to acquire over the course of the next two summers, with the 26-year-old Reaves serving as a reliable starting piece among the team’s youthful potential.
Alongside Davis and James, the Lakers can add a 7-foot player with a deadly 3-point shooting range. Russell isn’t a highly sought-after asset in the league right now, but the right team may be able to acquire him before the trade deadline thanks to his expiring deal.
In exchange for Russell, Christie, and whatever other component they could rummage around for, the Lakers could be able to get a respectable rotation player and one final chance at a championship during the James era in Los Angeles. However, they wouldn’t have much more to deal in addition to him.
With an emphasis on the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and Cleveland Browns, Max Dible covers the NFL, NBA, and MLB for Heavy.com. Before joining Heavy, he worked as the news director for Pacific Media Group’s chain of Big Island radio stations as well as a reporter for West Hawaii Today, covering both local and state news. He also worked as the news director for BigIslandNow.com. Additional information on Max Dible
