A certain 7-foot sharpshooter was definitely going to catch the attention of several top franchises, the Los Angeles Lakers being one of them. Reportedly, Rob Pelinka and Co. are highly interested in acquiring the player and are currently directly competing with the Miami Heat and New York Knicks. All these efforts are for Utah Jazz’s All-Star Forward Lauri Markkanen. He’s been in high demand these days. Notably, the Lakers’ rumored pursuit has also been fueled by LeBron James’ public appreciation for the Finnish forward.

On ‘Mind The Game’, the vet expressed his admiration for the player, “One of my favorites… he’s been a LeBron supporter for a long time, he wears my shoes. I love that guy, he’s so good.” LeBron James looked excited talking about the 27-year-old player. However, Tim Kawakami of The Athletic has already hinted there is a ‘very slight chance’ that the Golden State Warriors could come sniffing.

He said, “Markkanen’s skill set (career 37.5 percent from deep) is just about the perfect big-man match for Draymond, and Markkanen is definitely young enough to help carry the Warriors into the next era, too. But if the Jazz make him available on the trade market, just about every team in the league would be calling. Unless Utah’s Danny Ainge falls in love with the idea of grabbing the Warriors’ future draft picks, this doesn’t seem like a ready-made trade conversation.”

For Markkanen, the Lakers have fierce competition. Their draft assets are not the best, even though they can provide future picks and reliable role players. The earliest first-round pick they can trade is in 2029 and then 2031. Oklahoma City, Houston, and the Golden State are a few more teams that might provide Utah with more alluring deals.

According to an ‘Anonymous GM’ via Heavy, “The problem for the Lakers, the best offer is going to be Rui (Hachimura) and Austin Reaves and two first-rounders, let’s say. Well, 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.” 

So, where does that leave Lauri and the Lakers?

LeBron James and Co.’s challenges with Lauri Markkanen

The Lakers have been making big moves regarding player acquisition this off-season. They’ve been eyeing star guards like Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell, and Darius Garland. But now, they could also be looking to enhance their front court; enter Markkanen. Lauri was an All-Star in 2022-23, averaging 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds, followed by an average of 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds this season. He shot 39.2% from the 3-point line in 2022-23 and 39.9% in 2023-24. However, there’s a caveat.

Unfortunately, he does have bad luck with injuries and has missed 43 games in the last 2 seasons. The same aforementioned ‘Anonymous GM’ claimed his pairing with a certain Anthony Davis would be a dream scenario. “The Lakers, you get a guy like him with Anthony Davis, and that’s perfect for both guys.” However, the Lakers have the shortest bargaining stick here.

Markkanen’s current contract pays him $18 million for the 2024–25 season, his final year on paper. Rather than trading him, there’s still a chance for an extension. An Executive predicted a possible 4-year $175 million extension; this is marginally less than the recent four-year, $187 million agreement signed by his teammate Domantas Sabonis.

The Lakers’ path to acquiring Markkanen is surely not going to be looking very smooth. Regardless, they are a humongous franchise with a shiny brand name, so all hope is not lost and they could still land him if they’re somehow able to match other offers. Maybe LeBron James, who earlier revealed that Lauri admires him, could put in a word? Won’t that work wonders?

Amid all the chaos, one thing is clear, LA is committed to restructuring its roster this off-season.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow in what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.