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Lakers Eyeing NBA Star Lauri Markkanen: A Potential $175 Million Trade Deal

SportsLakers Eyeing NBA Star Lauri Markkanen: A Potential $175 Million Trade Deal

Key Takeaways:

– Jazz star Lauri Markkanen’s contract might witness its fourth trade, possibly involving the Lakers.
– Lauri Markkanen’s outstanding performance has kept him on the trade table despite his injury frequency.
– The Jazz could opt for a contract extension with Markkanen instead of trading.
– Despite their interest, the Lakers’ offer may not match the deal Markkanen can fetch from other teams.

The Journey of Lauri Markkanen: The NBA Trade Market Staple

NBA star Lauri Markkanen, who’s been traded three times already, including on his draft night in 2017, could be looking at yet another contract change. Interestingly, despite these numerous swaps, the Lakers have never participated in any transaction involving Markkanen – until now.

The Chicago Bulls traded the Finnish player initially. At this point, Markkanen was not a highly sought commodity. The Bulls received two second-round draft picks and Derrick Jones Jr from the Cavs and Blazers in the trade and waived the financial responsibilities of Markkanen—a player frequently afflicted by injuries and below-par performances.

However, the trade scenario was more fruitful when Markkanen moved from Cleveland to the Jazz. He, along with Collin Sexton, Ochai Agbaji, three first-round picks, and two pick swaps, were traded for star guard Donovan Mitchell. Now, as Markkanen’s current contract enters its final year, speculations are rife about his next possible move.

As the trade talk progresses, the Lakers may finally show some interest in acquiring the seven-footer.

Markkanen’s Game-Changing Performances with the Jazz

Markkanen’s recurring health issues have not abated since his Chicago days. However, his on-field stats have been on an upward trajectory. He was listed as an All-Star in the 2022-23 season, netting 25.6 points with 8.6 rebounds per game. His following season also saw a strong performance with 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds.

The icing on Markkanen’s playing stats cake has been his tremendous three-point conversion rate. A 7-foot player clocking in 39.1% in the 2022-23 season and 39.9% in the following seasons in the three-pointer zone is a rare find.

The ever-increasing need for an active, high-performing player who can align with Anthony Davis’ game style puts Markkanen on the radar for the Lakers and other NBA teams alike. Therefore, whether in contention or not, several NBA teams would dream of acquiring Markkanen.

The Lakers’ Potential Trade Offer for Markkanen

While the Lakers could trade good role players and future selections, their best offer might still fall short. Post this year’s draft; they can’t trade a first-rounder until 2029. That, along with their 2031 pick, might not suffice to lure in Markkanen.

Moreover, the Jazz could sidestep trading by extending Markkanen’s contract, similar to Domantas Sabonis’ four-year, $187 million extension last year. A projected four years and $175 million deal for Markkanen is something the Lakers might find hard to best.

In the words of one Western Conference executive, “If I am Oklahoma City, I can beat that. If I am Houston, I can beat that. The Warriors can beat it—it’s a long list.”

Therefore, the Lakers can stake their claim to Markkanen only if other teams shy away due to his injury history. Otherwise, it’s tough to see Utah parting with their star player.

 

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