This would make the Lakers true contenders again.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been searching for the final piece to elevate their roster back to championship contention. With Luka Doncic already acquired to pair with LeBron James, the Lakers’ first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves exposed the need for additional firepower. While Doncic and James form a dynamic duo, the roster requires one more key addition to create a truly devastating Big 3. The Utah Jazz’s selection of Ace Bailey with the No. 5 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft may have just opened the door for Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka to pursue the perfect fit: Lauri Markkanen.
Utah’s Draft Decision Sparks Trade Possibilities
The Utah Jazz’s decision to draft Ace Bailey, a highly touted forward who surprisingly didn’t work out for any team before the draft, has created a logjam in their frontcourt. With Bailey now in the fold alongside Lauri Markkanen, John Collins (who exercised his $26.2 million player option), and Walker Kessler, the Jazz face a roster conundrum. Only Kessler is a true center, meaning one of Markkanen, Collins, or Bailey would likely come off the bench unless Utah opts for a small-ball lineup that sacrifices defensive stability. This crowded frontcourt presents an opportunity for the Lakers to capitalize on Utah’s roster imbalance.
Jazz GM Danny Ainge, known for his reluctance to part with valuable assets, may finally see this as the moment to cash in on Markkanen. The 7-foot forward’s ability to stretch the floor with his elite 3-point shooting (39.9% on 8.0 attempts per game in 2024-25) and contribute on both ends makes him an ideal complement to LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Markkanen’s versatility would allow the Lakers to unlock a devastating offensive trio while maintaining enough defensive flexibility to compete with the NBA’s elite.
Lakers’ Trade Assets: A Treasure Trove for Ainge
The Lakers are well-positioned to make a compelling offer for Markkanen, thanks to Pelinka’s savvy maneuvering in the Luka Doncic trade. Los Angeles retained key assets, including Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, and an unprotected 2031 first-round pick. According to Yahoo Sports’ Tom Haberstroh, the Lakers can offer a package centered around their 2031 unprotected first-round pick and four draft swaps (2026, 2028, 2030, 2032) or an unprotected 2032 first-round pick with four swaps (2026, 2028, 2030, 2031). Additionally, players like Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, and Gabe Vincent can be included to match Markkanen’s $18 million salary for the 2025-26 season.
While Ainge’s reputation as a tough negotiator means any deal for Markkanen will come at a premium, the Lakers’ combination of draft capital and young talent could be enough to sway him. A potential trade package might look like this:
Lakers receive: Lauri Markkanen
Jazz receive: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, 2031 unprotected first-round pick, 2026 and 2028 draft swaps
This deal would give Utah valuable assets for their rebuild while providing the Lakers with the missing piece to their championship puzzle.
Why Markkanen Is the Perfect Fit
Lauri Markkanen’s skill set makes him the dream co-star for LeBron James and Luka Doncic. At 28 years old, Markkanen is in the prime of his career, averaging 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game in the 2024-25 season. His ability to space the floor as a 7-footer creates matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. Pairing his shooting prowess with Doncic’s playmaking and James’s all-around brilliance would give the Lakers an offensive juggernaut capable of overwhelming even the league’s best defenses.
On the defensive end, Markkanen’s size and mobility allow him to hold his own against forwards and some centers, complementing Anthony Davis’s rim protection. This Big 3 of James, Doncic, and Markkanen, with Davis anchoring the defense, would provide the Lakers with the versatility and firepower needed to compete with teams like the Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, and Oklahoma City Thunder.
A Big Swing for a Championship Window
The Lakers’ first-round playoff loss to the Timberwolves highlighted the urgency to maximize LeBron James’s remaining years. While Doncic’s arrival was a significant step forward, the addition of Markkanen could transform the Lakers into true contenders. His fit alongside James and Doncic is seamless on paper, creating a trio that blends scoring, playmaking, and spacing in a way that few teams could match.
Pelinka has the assets and the opportunity to make this deal happen. With Utah’s frontcourt logjam and Ainge’s history of capitalizing on roster shakeups, the Lakers must act swiftly to secure Markkanen. If successful, this trade could create a “devastating” Big 3 that vaults Los Angeles back to the top of the NBA hierarchy, giving LeBron James the perfect co-star to chase one final championship.