Lakers’ Current Best Offer To Utah Jazz For Lauri Markkanen

The Utah Jazz have reportedly expressed an openness when it comes to trading Lauri Markkanen.

While Markkanen is undoubtedly the team’s best player, Utah is in the midst of a rebuild. As such, the front office would prefer assets that will make them better in the future even if it comes at the expense of their most talented guy right now.

Because of that, the Jazz are “indeed welcoming calls on Markkanen,” Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported this week.

Multiple teams have been linked to possibly making a move for Markkanen, including the Los Angeles Lakers. There has been chatter regarding LeBron James and Co. being enamored with him for more than a year now.

The question now is what L.A. is prepared to do to get Markkanen – particularly given the way in which they have whiffed on every other big name they’ve tried to attain this summer.

Yes, the Lakers are working hard to acquire Trae Young right now. Their best offer for him is a matter of public record. And yes, the Lakers’ front office is working diligently to bring in a big name center.

But neither of those moves would be as impactful as adding Markkanen.

So what can the Lakers do to bring Markkanen to Los Angeles? Well, they can offer the package to end all packages.

What would the entail? To start – all of the Lakers’ picks between now and 2030. From there Austin Reaves would need to be part of any deal, and likely Rui Hachimura as well. L.A. would also have to take some salary back, though it remains to be seen who the Jazz would try to unload on them.

So with all that in mind, can the Lakers get Markkanen? Sure. Anything is possible. Is he a feasible and realistic option to end up in purple and gold, though? The smart money says no.

Anthony Amador

A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school Games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.