As the Los Angeles Lakers look to enhance their roster in the Luka Doncic era, the name of Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen has emerged prominently in discussions. This 28-year-old All-Star brings a remarkable mix of size and skill that would theoretically benefit any team, including Los Angeles. However, recent reports suggest that the Jazz have deemed Markkanen off-limits, allowing the Lakers to avoid the potential pitfalls of a risky trade.
Markkanen is currently enjoying an impressive season, averaging 30.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and hitting 3.8 three-point field goals per game with shooting splits of .479/.389/.880. Despite his standout performance, the Jazz hold a 5-8 record, prompting speculation about a possible trade as they focus on a youth movement. Yet, according to insider Matt Moore of FanSided, Utah is not open to discussing any trades involving Markkanen, indicating that any potential move would likely be a sudden and unexpected decision.
While he appears to be an ideal complement to Doncic on paper, the Lakers are not in need of another score-first forward. The team must prioritize defense, especially with the offensive style of guards like Doncic and Austin Reaves, alongside the return of LeBron James in the 2025-26 season. Markkanen could theoretically serve as a long-term solution if James were to leave, but there are significant concerns regarding his contract and injury history.
Throughout his career, Markkanen has faced challenges with injuries, having missed 35 games last season and 27 the previous year. In fact, across eight seasons, he has been sidelined for over 20 games in five of them. Currently, he is in the first year of a four-year contract worth nearly $196 million, with an average annual salary exceeding $48 million. This raises red flags for the Lakers—betting on Markkanen’s health while committing substantial financial resources to him could prove detrimental if he were to encounter significant injuries again.
Moreover, while Markkanen is a tremendous offensive talent, he does not necessarily excel on the defensive end, which is critical for a team with multiple high-profile offensive players. The Lakers need to balance their roster with defensively capable players to avoid the perils of relying solely on offensive firepower.
In essence, while Lauri Markkanen would undoubtedly enhance many teams vying for a championship, the Lakers would be taking a considerable risk by pursuing him. Fortunately, the Jazz’s stance on the player has spared the Lakers from a potentially troubling situation, allowing them to explore less risky avenues for roster improvement while ensuring they can fully support Doncic’s development on the court. As the season unfolds, the Lakers will need to remain vigilant in their quest to build a competitive team that effectively balances talent, health, and defensive capabilities.