Lakers named among top suitors for blockbuster trade involving Lauri Markannen

Deandre Ayton has done a tremendous job of holding down the fort in the Los Angeles Lakers’ frontcourt to begin the 2025-26 season. 

Thanks to improved chemistry with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves and a more consistent motor, the Arizona product has been a double-double machine as of late (he’s finished with 10+ points and 10+ rebounds in five of his last eight outings). 

Still, the Lakers could benefit from adding a complementary big man on the trade market to assist Ayton going forward. 

On Friday, Sports Illustrated’s Blake Silverman listed dynamic Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen as a potential suitor for the Lakers this season. 

“It’s no secret, the Jazz don’t have playoff aspirations this year," Silverman stated. "Star forward Lauri Markkanen is, by far, Utah’s best asset on the trade market that could net them a massive haul comprised of intriguing young players, draft capital, and expiring contracts."

“The 28-year-old began a massive four-year, $195.8 million contract extension this season, which ties Markkanen to any acquiring team for three more seasons after this year as a potential building block for the future.”

“That means any team would have to be comfortable paying his massive salary through the 2028-29 season, but he could be the final piece for a team looking to compete for a title as early as this season.”

"Potential trade suitors: Detroit Pistons, Portland Trail Blazers, and Lakers."

Markkanen would provide the Lakers with a skill set that Ayton doesn’t currently possess. For whatever reason, the 28-year-old has flown under the radar as a long-range shooter in pick-and-pop/kick-out situations, as he’s a 37.2% career three-point shooter at 7-foot-1. 

Markkanen is similar to Ayton in other offensive categories, though, as the former lottery pick is also a high-level rim runner, a quick decision-maker in the low post, and a formidable lob threat regardless of his pick-and-roll partner. 

Markkanen is averaging 29.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game this season, shooting 48.5% from the field and 38.8% from deep as a high-usage big man for the 5-10 Jazz. 

Will the Lakers pull the trigger on a blockbuster trade for Markkanen before the Feb. 5 deadline? Only time will tell.

More NBA: Warriors predicted to cut ties with Jonathan Kuminga, acquire NBA champion Celtics forward