The Los Angeles Lakers are having a mixed bag of a season so far, sitting 11-9 and out of the top six in the West. Every single one of their losses has come at the hands of a team above .500, which is a concerning trend for the Lakers who can’t match up to competition at a higher level. With a list of injuries plaguing the roster, the Lakers are falling behind the top of the West through the first 20 games of the season.

The offense has been particularly bad, as the Lakers have an offensive rating of 111.3, the fourth-worst in the NBA so far. Even with D’Angelo Russell playing well, the Lakers simply don’t have enough offensive weapons when LeBron is off the court. Austin Reaves has been a letdown to start the season, with other players on the roster excelling at defense.

The Utah Jazz are possibly looking to move on from Lauri Markkanen, who is continuing to play at an All-Star level on a rebuilding Jazz squad. This could be the perfect target for the Lakers.

Trade Details: 

Utah Jazz Receive: Rui Hachimura, Jalen-Hood Schifino, 2028 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2030 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL)

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Lauri Markkanen

The Lakers will be forced to part with a talented frontcourt player along with the rookie point guard they drafted this summer. The expensive pick equity can’t be ignored either, but the 27-year-old Markkanen can be the fulcrum that helps the Lakers transition from one era into the next.

The Jazz Tank While Cashing On Lauri Markkanen’s Value

The Jazz ended up with Lauri Markkanen last summer as filler in the Donovan Mitchell trade. Since then, he’s emerged as an All-Star and one of the best forwards in the NBA. He’s averaging 23.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.1 steals this season, continuing to build his reputation as one of the most efficient scorers in the NBA. The Jazz aren’t going anywhere with his exploits, sitting with a record of 6-13. He can contribute at a high level as a No. 2 or 3 option on a contender.

Rui Hachimura can help the Jazz find a solution at their wing position, playing the near seven-foot Markkanen as a small forward this season to accommodate John Collins. Hachimura can slide into the starting three while young replacements such as Brice Sensabaugh continue to develop. Hachimura is just 24 years old and still has a lot of room to grow, as his short stint on the Lakers has already proven.