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After last season, the LA Lakers are in dire need of a third star around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. One of the stars who is being linked to the team is Lauri Markkanen. However, the question still remains; can the Lakers pull off a trade to land the Utah Jazz forward?
Markkanen has been linked to the Lakers since their season ended. Putting him alongside James and Davis can solve a lot of problems that the team has faced in the last few seasons. He has size and can score at a very high level, Overall, the Finnish player can help the Purple and Gold space up the floor.
However, Los Angeles doesn’t have enough cap space left to sign him which leaves them with a bidding war with other big teams like OKC Thunder and Miami Heat. The Thunder have 15 draft picks in the next seven years and also have assets that might entice the Jazz. Moreover, some reports suggest that Jazz might not be too interested in trading their star player.
So, what options do the Lakers have?
After the 2024 NBA Draft, the LA has first-round picks in 2027 and 2031. The team can use these draft picks and add them with some of their assets that could help them pull off the trade. To name a few assets, the team has Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, and Jarred Vanderbilt who can entice the Jazz to start a conversation.
Moreover, other assets like D’Angelo Russell, who has a player option for the next season and Gabe Vincent can also be added to the assets to bring the forward.
However, to land him the Lakers would also need a lot of luck. They have almost no chance against a team like Thunder which is also interested in them. If somehow, the Thunder and other teams leave the bidding market for matters related to Markkanen’s health, perhaps Purple and Gold can have a chance.
Markannen has one more year left in his contract before he becomes a free agent. He is set to be paid $18 million for his next season. Last season, Markannen averaged 23.2 points on 48.0% shooting from the field and 39.9% from the three-point line.
NBA Insider reveals Lakers' chance to land Lauri Markannen
The Lakers might be entering into a lost bidding war if they choose to go for Lauri Markannen this offseason. According to NBA insider Sean Deveney of Heavy Sports, there are a lot of teams in the NBA that can easily beat LA’s offer if the Jazz choose to hear the offer.
“The problem for the Lakers, the best offer is going to be Rui (Hachimura) and Austin Reaves and two first-rounders, let’s say. Well, if I am Oklahoma City, I can beat that. If I am Houston, I can beat that. The Warriors can beat it—it’s a long list,” one NBA GM said according to Deveney.
Rob Pelinka’s hands are not tied but rather they are almost empty to give enough to any team if he wants to sign a star alongside James and Davis. Last time they targeted Dejounte Murray and now the Atlanta Hawks have traded him to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Now that JJ Redick is the new head coach of the Lakers, it would be interesting to see if he can help the team bring in some good role players given his experience.
