Apr 22, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; The Los Angeles Lakers logo at center court during game three of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to explore potential avenues to add an elite scorer this offseason, and Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen is one player who is reportedly on their radar.
Markkanen is entering the final season of his contract, and Jazz executive Danny Ainge will likely at least explore the possibility of trading the 7-foot forward. According to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, the Lakers may have interest.
Markkanen averaged 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game this season. He averaged 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds and was named an All-Star for the first time in his career the year before. Markkanen has also shot nearly 40% from three-point range over the past two years, which is why one general manager told Deveney that Markkanen could be a “dream target” for L.A. The GM also mentioned the Miami Heat and New York Knicks as potential suitors.
“There are a few teams that, when you look at it, he is going to be their dream target,” the GM said. “The Lakers, you get a guy like him with Anthony Davis, and that’s perfect for both guys. The Knicks would love to get hold of him. The Heat, again, put him with Bam (Adebayo) and that is the pair you want to build around, you can send Jimmy (Butler) wherever he wants. Just the floor-spacing aspect of it, it’s so valuable. He could make things easier on your stars.”
Of course, there will be plenty of interest in Markkanen if the Jazz make the 27-year-old available. Markkanen has missed 43 games over the last two seasons due to injury, but it would not be a surprise if several teams view him as worth the risk. If that is the case, the Lakers might have a difficult time matching offers from rivals.
We know of at least one other top scorer that the Lakers could make a run at, but Markkanen is an intriguing option for them.
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