Lauri Markkanen To Lakers Chatter Grows Louder

The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to make a big move this summer. A season removed from an embarrassing NBA playoffs exit, clearly the font office needs to do something of serious magnitude.

During a recent conversation with an NBA general manager, insider Sean Deveney was told that the Lakers were a team to watch for Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen.

“There are a few teams that, when you look at it, he is going to be their dream target,” the general manager said. “The Lakers, you get a guy like him with Anthony Davis, and that’s perfect for both guys.”

But L.A. isn’t the only squad in contention for Markkanen’s services.

“The [New York] Knicks would love to get hold of him,” the general manager continued.

“The [Miami] Heat, again, put him with Bam [Adebayo] and that is the pair you want to build around, you can send Jimmy [Butler] wherever he wants. Just the floor-spacing aspect of it, it’s so valuable. He could make things easier on your stars.”

Two years ago Markkanen made his first-ever All-Star appearance and averaged 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. He came down to earth a bit last season, putting up 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, but obviously those numbers are still very respectable.

Given that Markkanen is entering the final year of his deal with the Jazz, he could have a lot of value on the market right now.