Getty A new trade proposal moves seven-foot Utah star Lauri Markkanen to the Lakers.
When the Los Angeles Lakers made the trade heard around the world in February, stunning the NBA by sending four-time All-NBA first teamer Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for five-timer Luka Dončić — who is six years younger — their intention was clearly to put the team in position to win one more championship while LeBron James was still playing.
That did not happen. Not only did the Lakers fall to even get to the NBA Finals, they did not make it out of the first round. They did not even make it past Game Five of the first round. Despite surging to the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference after the big trade, the Lakers were largely dominated by the sixth-seed Minnesota Timberwolves.
So what now?
Lakers Face Urgency to Improve as LeBron Hits Age 41
With James entering his 23rd NBA season and turning 41 years old on December 30, the sense of urgency to get him that championship, and to tie the Boston Celtics for the NBA record 18 titles, will only get more powerful.
There seems no question that the Lakers will be forced to do something to upgrade their roster, to a point where the Finals are at least in sight. But what? With their current roster, Los Angeles is already $59.8 million over the salary cap, and closing in on the first “apron,” which carries significant restrictions on player movement and acquisitions, as well as increased “luxury” tax penalties.
At this point, the Lakers are about $4.5 million under the first apron threshold — and $16.2 million under the second apron limit. Exceeding the second apron comes with restrictions that can cripple a team’s ability to rebuild, or do much of anything at all with its roster.
With that in mind, one NBA expert on Tuesday proposed a trade that would give the Lakers a significant upgrade, creating a new “Big Three” rather than simply the James-Dončić duo, to propel the 2025-2026 version of the team well into the playoffs, and perhaps even all the way to the top.
The trade idea would send seven-foot power forward, eight-year veteran Lauri Markkanen to Los Angeles, bringing his former team the Utah Jazz a package of four players, as well as the possibly most important asset if the package, a 2031 unprotected first-round draft pick.
Details of the Blockbuster Trade
To acquire Markkanen, the Lakers would reportedly send a package including young talent like Dalton Knecht, expiring contracts, and draft picks to the Jazz. Specifically, Utah would receive:
Dalton Knecht: A promising rookie, bringing youth and developmental potential. Expiring contracts: Providing the Jazz flexibility to restructure their roster. Draft picks: Offering long-term assets for a Jazz team in rebuilding mode.
In return, the Lakers would land Markkanen, who is in his prime at 27. Despite averaging only 19 points per game last season (down from 23.2 the previous year and a career-high 25.6 in 2022-2023), Markkanen remains a top-tier scorer with an impressive 37.1% career three-point shooting percentage and a towering 7-foot frame.
Why Markkanen Is the Perfect Fit
Markkanen is more than just a typical center. He brings a unique blend of height, long-range shooting, and pick-and-roll prowess, making him an ideal partner for LeBron James and Luka Dončić. His key strengths include:
Elite three-point shooting: With a 37.1% three-point shooting rate, Markkanen stretches defenses, creating space for Dončić and James to attack. Pick-and-roll threat: His 7-foot height and agility make him a lethal finisher in alley-oops and coordinated plays. Versatility: Markkanen can play both power forward and center, offering tactical flexibility for coach JJ Redick’s system.
Markkanen’s addition would address the Lakers’ lack of frontcourt depth, especially against dominant centers like those on the Timberwolves. Paired with Dončić (averaging 28.2 points, 7.5 assists, and 8.1 rebounds since joining the Lakers) and James (still a top-20 NBA player at 40), Markkanen could form a trio capable of dominating both offensively and defensively.
Challenges and Risks
While the trade is enticing, the Lakers face several hurdles:
Financial constraints: With the team’s payroll already $59.8 million over the salary cap, the Lakers have just $4.5 million in wiggle room under the “first apron” threshold, which imposes strict trade and luxury tax limitations. Adding Markkanen’s $46.3 million salary for next season requires careful roster balancing, potentially sacrificing players like Austin Reaves or Rui Hachimura. Long-term risks: Trading young players and draft picks could deplete the Lakers’ future assets, especially if Dončić were to leave in 2026. Markkanen’s performance: His scoring dipped last season while playing for a rebuilding Jazz team. The Lakers need assurance he can return to his 2022-2023 All-Star form.
Lakers’ Strategic Vision
With LeBron James entering his 23rd season and turning 41 on December 30, the pressure to win another title and match the Boston Celtics’ record of 18 NBA championships is immense. Trading for Markkanen not only boosts the Lakers’ immediate competitiveness but also ensures contention in the post-LeBron era, with Dončić (26) and Markkanen (27) in their prime.
General Manager Rob Pelinka is expected to be aggressive this offseason, especially after the Lakers’ early playoff exit. Markkanen, with his five-year, $238 million contract signed with the Jazz last August, is a feasible target to create a fearsome “Big Three” capable of challenging rising Western Conference powers like Oklahoma City and Minnesota.
Conclusion
The potential acquisition of Lauri Markkanen is more than a tactical move—it’s a bold statement that the Lakers are all-in to reclaim their throne. If successful, the trio of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Lauri Markkanen could be a nightmare for opponents, bringing the Lakers closer to another NBA championship. However, with financial and roster risks at play, will Pelinka pull the trigger on this high-stakes gamble? The NBA awaits an explosive offseason from the Lakers!