The Los Angeles Lakers have scoured the market and come up empty so far this summer. Their only major additions to the roster have come through rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James, with only Knecht being capable of contributing as a rotational player. Outside of that, the Lakers are running it back with all their players from last season’s first-round exit coming back.

The Lakers couldn’t land a long list of players headlined by Klay Thompson and Buddy Hield, with other Lakers players like D’Angelo Russell reportedly having minimal trade value. Teams in the West like the Warriors are trying to acquire Utah Jazz All-Star Lauri Markkanen. To avoid getting jumped by another rival, the Lakers might need to overpay to blow the Jazz away and create their own big three in Los Angeles.

Trade Details

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Lauri Markannen

Utah Jazz Receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, 2028 First-Round Pick Swap (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2031 First-Round Pick (LAL)

This deal might just be irresponsible on Rob Pelinka’s part to execute given the long-term equity he’s throwing away for a win-now player to maximize the final few seasons of LeBron James and Anthony Davis in their prime. However, this is the only deal that the Jazz would likely accept given what they’re turning down from the Warriors, and is a deal that would genuinely transform the Lakers into short-term contenders.

The Lakers Emerge As A Top Team In The West

The Lakers have a robust rotation with imperfect parts, especially on the offensive end. They missed players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent from their rotation due to long injury layoffs while players like Max Christie weren’t utilized enough under Darvin Ham. With the addition of Lauri Markkanen, who averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists, the Lakers would have a strong starting lineup of complimentary pieces.

Markkanen would be a seamless offensive fit, being able to stretch the floor while also running the offense in non-LeBron minutes, a crucial issue for the Lakers last season. His improved playmaking and reliable shotmaking make him a compatible fit with almost every lineup variation for the Lakers. He could run a frontcourt with Vanderbilt in non-Davis minutes and thrive off the offensive gravity of both James and Davis while playing alongside them.

Austin Reaves will be missed in the guard rotation, but that could open up minutes for a gritter 3-and-D defender like Christie. It might increase reliance on D’Angelo Russell, but the version of Russell we saw after February last season might be exactly what they need in a lineup with LeBron as the primary creator and three major offensive options. He’d have to maximize open opportunities while playmaking when necessary to not spend another season in trade rumors for a new point guard.