The Los Angeles Lakers continue their search for the ideal big man in the offseason. After being linked to several players to address their issues, the Lakers may have yet another offer that could see them solve this problem.

As constructed, the Purple and Gold have virtually no big men on their roster. With Jaxson Hayes potentially on the way out in free agency, the Lakers have effectively depleted their resources of centers.

To make matters worse, the team has also been torn about their position on forward Rui Hachimura. With the likelihood of Hachimura being included in trade packages, the team may very well be devoid of frontcourt depth.

The factors in the Lakers’ favor are that they still have the non-taxpayer MLE available to them, allowing them to potentially sign players like Clint Capela. Additionally, they also possess limited but relevant assets, giving them more flexibility with signing centers.

But the larger concern now is their lack of frontcourt depth, i.e, the wings. Their interest in De’Anthony Melton could be of some benefit in this regard. But instead, we take a look at a trade proposal by Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz to help the Purple and Gold sign Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen.

Proposed Trade Details

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Lauri Markkanen

Utah Jazz Receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, 2031 first-round pick

The Lakers and the Jazz have engaged in several trades in the past. With another proposal on the horizon, we examine how the trade impacts each team.

The Lakers Acquire A Bona Fide All-Star

The acquisition of Lauri Markkanen could potentially reset the roster situation for the Lakers. At 7’0″, Markkanen is a legitimate big man. Although he isn’t a center by any means, he is a gifted forward, capable of spacing the floor and creating shots for himself.

Markkanen showed a lot of potential for developing into a star-caliber player during his early years in Chicago. This became a reality during the 2022-23 season with the Jazz when he earned his first All-Star nomination. He averaged 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds that season while shooting 49.9% from the field and 39.1% from beyond the arc.

Although the 28-year-old has been an inconsistent presence on the floor since, owing to injuries, he remains a capable player. Last season, even after playing only 47 games, he recorded an average of 19.0 points and 5.9 rebounds.

On the Lakers, Markkanen would be a natural fit next to Luka Doncic and LeBron James. As mentioned, he doesn’t slot in as a center, hence the need for a lob threat will still need to be addressed. However, acquiring a third star would give the Purple and Gold a massive offensive boost.

In a system where he isn’t the primary focus for defenders, Markkanen is capable of producing in a significant capacity. This move is also beneficial as he effectively becomes the replacement for Hachimura. While he may not be able to contribute in the same capacity on defense, he brings a very legitimate upside on the offensive front.

The Utah Jazz Continue Their Rebuild

The Utah Jazz were the worst team in the West last season. While this may have been a part of their strategy to tank, Utah is in no position to compete as currently constructed.

A trade of this nature simply helps the Jazz acquire necessary draft capital, with the 2031 first-round pick, and expiring contracts to facilitate moves in the following season. The likes of Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent, and Hachimura all fit the bill in this regard.

There is a greater likelihood that the Jazz may simply trade Hachimura again to another team in the offseason. Having put an average of 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds on 50.9% FG and 41.3% from beyond the arc, the forward would demand decent value. Trading him would allow Utah to build its reserves and potentially add young players as well.

A key addition to the Jazz, however, would be young Lakers sharpshooter Dalton Knecht. The 24-year-old guard showcased a lot of potential for developing into a legitimate perimeter threat. He averaged 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds on shooting splits of 46.1% from the field and 37.6% from beyond the arc.

Given the Jazz’s roster construction, Knecht may find himself in a position to play significant minutes, either as a starter or as the first choice off the bench behind Jordan Clarkson.

Potentially paired with Collin Sexton and Keyonte George, Knecht would find himself amidst Utah’s project that could become relevant if nurtured. With good veteran leadership as well, the team could certainly look to improve upon last season’s record.

Lakers Gain Flexibility With Austin Reaves

This trade proposal has its benefits for both teams, but it is quite evident that the Lakers are the real winners. While Markkanen’s contributions are certainly an added advantage, it is important to address that the Purple and Gold would manage to acquire him without trading Austin Reaves in this deal.

Reaves’ contract has been a point of concern for the team. However, given the kind of interest he has garnered, he could help facilitate a move for a superstar. With Markkanen on the team, the Lakers gain the flexibility to reassess their approach and restructure their plans.