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[Saba Sports News] The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to pursue an elite scorer this offseason, with Utah Jazz star Lauri Markkanen reportedly on their radar.
Markkanen is entering the final season of his contract, and Jazz executive Danny Ainge will likely consider trading the 7-foot forward. According to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, the Lakers are interested.
Markkanen averaged 23.2 points and 8.2 rebounds per game this season. He posted 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game and earned his first All-Star selection the previous year.
With a nearly 40% three-point shooting rate over the past two seasons, one general manager told Deveney that Markkanen could be a “dream target” for L.A. The GM also cited the Miami Heat and New York Knicks as potential suitors.
“There are a few teams that, when you look at it, he is going to be their dream target,” the GM said. “The Lakers, you get a guy like him with Anthony Davis, and that’s perfect for both guys. The Knicks would love to get hold of him. The 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.”
Markkanen has missed 43 games over the last two seasons due to injury, but despite that, several teams might still view him as worth the risk. This interest could make it challenging for the Lakers to match offers from other teams.
The Lakers are considering at least one other top scorer, but Markkanen remains an intriguing option for them.