Lakers, Spurs Fighting To Trade For Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen

The San Antonio Spurs have worked diligently this offseason to improve the roster around burgeoning star, Victor Wembanyama.

Adding Chris Paul was done with the intention of providing the youngster with some veteran leadership and player who could make Wembanyama better. The front office considered bringing in Trae Young, but worried that he could hurt their young franchise cornerstone’s development.

One player who the organization seems to have shifted its focus onto now is Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz.

“Another name that they’ve looked at I’ve been told is Markkanen in Utah … that’s gonna be a name to keep an eye on,” Zach Lowe and Bobby Marks discussed on the ‘Lowe Post’ this past week.

“Obviously the Bridges trade led them to send the smoke signals out to give us a call. I’m not quite feeling the same kind of vibes for Lauri (that there was for Mikal Bridges) but I’m keeping an eye on it for sure. The Spurs are the team I would watch.”

The other team closely being linked to Markkanen right now is the Los Angeles Lakers. Their best trade offer for him is a matter of public record.

What could San Antonio realistically give up for Markkanen? Because Bridges commanded five first-rounders, the Spurs would likely have to start their offering with three. From there, Keldon Johnson would almost certainly need to be part of the deal. And then it would just be a matter of ironing out the edges of that potential swap.

On paper, it is hard to see how the Lakers could possibly comPete with anything the Spurs offer. Even if they do throw in someone like Austin Reaves.

Who will the Jazz ultimately trade Markkanen to when everything is said and done? Time will tell.

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.