Way-too-early trade deadline targets if Lakers stumble in 2024-25

Lauri Markkanen, Utah Jazz

Perhaps the most prominent name on the trade market this summer, Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen has become a highly sought-after player. With a team-friendly expiring contract and All-Star capabilities, it's easy to understad why.

Utah has set an outrageous asking price, but as the trade deadline draws closer, Markkanen could be available for less.

It's plausible that Markkanen will be traded before the 2024-25 season, which would obviously render this null and void. It's still a possibility worth considering, however, as the Jazz would begin to lose their leverage if they don't intend to re-sign him—or if he's considering leaving Utah on his own.

In that scenario, the Lakers could attempt to swing a trade for Markkanen that would still cost them dearly, but would lower the price of doing business considerably.

As for why Markkanen is such an intriguing player, look no further than the fact that he's a 7'0" three-level scorer. He was named an All-Star and won Most Improved Player in 2022-23 for that very reason, as he all but instantly tapped into his potential with the Jazz.

Between 2022-23 and 2023-24, Markkanen has averaged 24.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.1 offensive boards, 1.9 assists, and 3.1 three-point field goals made on .490/.395/.885 shooting.

Owed a reasonable $18,044,544 for the 2024-25 season, Markkanen has an easily acquirable salary if the Lakers are willing to pay the draft compensation price.