An NBA trade idea sending Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz to the Los Angeles Lakers has been created.
NBA writer Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report created the following trade idea:
Utah Jazz get: Terry Rozier, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, a 2026 first-round pick from L.A., a 2031 first-round pick from L.A. and a 2031 first-round pick from Miami
Los Angeles Lakers get: Lauri Markkanen
Miami Heat get: Austin Reaves and Svi Mykhailiuk
Markkanen is one of the top players in the NBA. He averaged 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.4 blocks for the Jazz last season in 47 games while shooting 42.3% from the field, 34.6% from beyond the arc and 87.6% from the free-throw line.
This blockbuster NBA trade idea would pair Markkanen with Lakers superstars LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
“The Lakers would likely still be looking up at the Oklahoma City Thunder after a trade like this, but you could reasonably argue to put them in the next group with the Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets,” Bailey wrote.
Markkanen, 28, will make $46.4 million next season. He has played for the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and Jazz, compiling averages of 18.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks.
The Lakers lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 playoffs in five games. The franchise added Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart this offseason.
If Los Angeles added Markkanen, head coach JJ Redick could start Dončić, Smart, James, Markkanen and Ayton. That’s a strong starting five on paper.
“They’d have to replenish their 2025-26 rotation with some minimum signings, but this is a trade that could vault the Lakers onto the contenders’ tier right away, while also giving them a one-two punch to rely on beyond LeBron James’ retirement,” Bailey wrote.
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