Lauri Markkanen to The Lakers in a Bold Trade Proposal

The Lakers, despite their big ambitions, have been very mediocre to start the season. They currently sit within a Play-in position with an 11-9 record. While many expect this team to turn things around and go deep into the playoffs come postseason, there have been many recent concerns with the current roster. As a result, they have been linked with the latest trade rumor for Lauri Markkanen.

Lakers Early Concerns

Many praised the Lakers' offseason acquisitions as they definitely improved their squad depth by bringing in a plethora of valuable role players, such as Jaxson Hayes and Gabe Vincent, who was fresh off a historic Finals run.




With the added depth, it was believed that the Lakers would be able to use stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis more sparingly, ensuring they'd remain fresh and fully healthy for the end of the season. However, this changed due to numerous early-season injuries and the poor play from recently added stars Cam Reddish and Christian Wood, who have so far not met expectations.

All of this has fueled trade rumors for the Lakers, as fans expect them to go all out in an attempt to win a second championship under James and Davis. With names like Lavine and DeRozan leading the speculation, a new suitor has emerged in 7-foot sharpshooter Lauri Markkanen from the Jazz.

Trade Proposal

The proposed trade would send Markkanen to Los Angeles for Rui Hachimura, Jalen-Hood Schifino, 2028 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL), and 2030 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL).

On paper, this doesn't seem like much to give up for a player named an All-Star this year. However, it's now public knowledge that the Jazz are looking to move on from Lauri given their awful 6-13 start. With Utah aiming for a full rebuild and tank mode, the Lakers sending them draft capital along with promising stars sounds like a realistic deal.

Losing Hachimura

The biggest loss for the Lakers would be Rui Hachimura, who stepped up massively in last season's playoffs. Rui's play earned him a $51 million extension with the Lakers this summer, but his early season struggles have made him more dispensable to the roster.


Despite losing Hachimura, the Lakers would gain significantly with Markkanen. Throughout his career, he's proven to be a better shooter than Rui, opening up the floor for James to attack. Additionally, the 7-foot Finnish star adds better rim protection for Los Angeles, evident in his 10 more blocks recorded so far this season.



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