Despite having a distinguished firepower, LA Lakers are likely to add another superstar to curb all the frailties present in the current squad,
The NBA trade rumor suggesting the Los Angeles Lakers could acquire Utah Jazz star forward Lauri Markkanen in exchange for Rui Hachimura, aiming to form a “Big Three” with Luka Doncic and LeBron James, has surfaced in recent discussions. Here’s a breakdown of the rumor based on available information:
Rumor Details
Source: The rumor originates from a report by thesportstak.com published on April 24, 2025, claiming the Lakers are projected to pursue Markkanen to bolster their roster. The proposed trade would involve sending Rui Hachimura, along with other assets like Maxi Kleber, Jarred Vanderbilt, and the No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft (Dalton Knecht), plus additional first-round draft capital, to the Jazz.
Rationale: The Lakers, having already acquired Luka Doncic in a blockbuster trade, are reportedly looking to add another superstar to address roster weaknesses and enhance their championship prospects. Markkanen, a 2023 All-Star and Most Improved Player, is seen as an ideal fit due to his elite shooting (37.1% career three-point average), size (7’0″), and versatility as a forward. His ability to space the floor and play both forward positions would complement Doncic’s playmaking and James’ leadership.
Markkanen’s Value: At 27, Markkanen is in his prime, averaging 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists for the Jazz in the 2024-25 season, though his numbers dipped slightly from his 25.6 PPG in 2022-23 due to Utah’s tanking efforts. His skill set makes him a high-value target for a contending team like the Lakers.
Hachimura’s Role: Rui Hachimura, a versatile forward averaging 11.9 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 48.4% from the field and 41.4% from three in the 2024-25 season, would be the centerpiece of the trade package. However, his defensive lapses and recent dip in form have made him a potential trade chip, especially with Dorian Finney-Smith’s arrival reducing his role.
Feasibility and Challenges
Lakers’ Motivation: The Lakers are in a “championship-or-bust” mode, with Doncic and James forming a potent duo. Adding Markkanen could create a formidable offensive trio, but the team’s frontcourt depth, especially after trading Anthony Davis, remains a concern. Markkanen’s rim protection and rebounding are not elite, which might not fully address this gap.
Trade Cost: The proposed package includes significant assets: Hachimura, Kleber, Vanderbilt, Knecht, and draft picks. While this might appeal to the rebuilding Jazz, who are prioritizing young talent and picks, the Lakers would be depleting their depth and future flexibility. Losing Knecht, a promising rookie, and multiple first-round picks could be a steep price.
Salary Matching: Markkanen’s contract (estimated at around $18-20 million annually) aligns closely with Hachimura’s $17 million cap hit, making the trade financially viable. However, additional players like Kleber and Vanderbilt would likely be included to balance salaries and meet Utah’s demands.
Jazz’s Perspective: Utah, with a 17-65 record in 2024-25, is focused on tanking for a high 2025 draft pick (e.g., Cooper Flagg). Trading Markkanen for Hachimura, a younger forward with potential, plus Knecht and draft capital, could align with their long-term rebuild, especially if they doubt Markkanen’s fit in their future plans.
Strategic Fit
On-Court Impact: Markkanen’s floor-spacing and pick-and-roll finishing would synergize with Doncic’s playmaking and James’ versatility. His 37.1% three-point shooting would open driving lanes for Doncic and create easier looks for James. However, the Lakers’ defense, already reliant on perimeter players like Doncic and Reaves, might remain vulnerable without a true rim protector.
Team Chemistry: Integrating another high-usage player could strain the Lakers’ offensive balance, as Doncic and James already dominate the ball. Markkanen’s off-ball scoring would help, but the team would need to maintain depth to avoid over-relying on their stars.
Long-Term Outlook: Acquiring Markkanen would position the Lakers well for the post-LeBron era, pairing a 27-year-old star with Doncic (26). However, sacrificing draft picks and young talent like Knecht could limit their ability to build around this core in the future.
Counterpoints and Risks
Alternative Targets: The Lakers have been linked to other stars like Nic Claxton, Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, and Kristaps Porziņģis to address frontcourt needs. These players might offer better defensive upside or rim protection compared to Markkanen.
Hachimura’s Value: Hachimura’s efficiency (41.4% from three) and role as a fourth/fifth option make him valuable for spacing around Doncic and James. Trading him for Markkanen might not yield enough marginal improvement to justify the cost, especially if depth is sacrificed.
Injury Concerns: Markkanen has been durable, but the Lakers’ history with injury-prone stars (e.g., Davis) makes any trade for a high-salary player a risk. The team would need assurances of Markkanen’s health to commit long-term.
Likelihood
While the rumor is plausible given the Lakers’ aggressive pursuit of a championship and the Jazz’s rebuilding phase, it hinges on several factors:
The Jazz’s willingness to trade Markkanen, who is under contract and a cornerstone player. The Lakers’ readiness to part with Knecht and multiple picks, which could hamstring future roster moves. Competition from other teams (e.g., Nets, Pelicans) also eyeing Markkanen or similar forwards.
Given the Lakers’ recent trade for Doncic and their history of bold moves under GM Rob Pelinka, a blockbuster like this isn’t out of the question. However, the team might prioritize a defensive-minded big (e.g., Claxton or Poeltl) over another offensive star unless Markkanen’s fit is deemed transformative.
Conclusion
The rumor of the Lakers trading Rui Hachimura and assets for Lauri Markkanen to form a Big Three with Luka Doncic and LeBron James is an exciting but speculative scenario. It aligns with the Lakers’ win-now mentality and Markkanen’s fit as a floor-spacing forward, but the trade’s cost and the team’s defensive needs raise questions about its wisdom. Fans should monitor this rumor as the offseason progresses, but no deal is imminent based on current reports.
If you’d like me to dig deeper into Markkanen’s stats, the Lakers’ cap situation, or alternative trade scenarios, let me know!