The Los Angeles Lakers began the season with a 2-2 record, but they have yet to field their complete roster. LeBron James is anticipated to return around mid-November as he recuperates from sciatica affecting his right side. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic is sidelined with a sprained left finger and a lower leg contusion. Other key players, Gabe Vincent and Maxi Kleber, are also currently unavailable.
The return of both James and Doncic is crucial for the Lakers as they strive to gauge their potential in a highly competitive Western Conference. For the team to make a significant playoff push, Austin Reaves may need to elevate his performance further, and Deandre Ayton must maintain his health. Overall, the prospect of a playoff run remains within reach.
In light of their current roster challenges, discussions around potential trades have surfaced. Analysts suggest that if the Lakers assess their existing core as insufficient to contend for a championship this season, they could pursue a blockbuster deal. Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey proposed that the Lakers target Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, describing him as the team’s “dream target.”
Bailey emphasized the advantageous fit Markkanen would provide alongside Doncic, casting the duo as a potential championship-caliber partnership that could lead the franchise beyond the era of James. However, obtaining Markkanen, who is under a four-year contract worth $195.9 million, would prove complex. Any trade would likely require the involvement of a third team to manage salary cap implications, as well as a significant player like Reaves and multiple first-round draft picks.
While such a trade might seem ambitious, the ongoing speculation surrounding Markkanen’s future with the Jazz, as they focus on their rebuilding strategy, makes this an intriguing possibility for the Lakers.