The Los Angeles Lakers have openly sought to strengthen their roster by adding a versatile big man to complement Luka Dončić as a primary lob target. While their initial focus centered on finding a traditional center, the team appears to be broadening its options. Recently, the Lakers proposed a trade package featuring forward Rui Hachimura to acquire Utah Jazz’s energetic forward John Collins, as reported by Anthony Irwin of Clutchpoints.
Collins, known for his athleticism and ability to finish above the rim, is seen as an excellent fit alongside Dončić by many within the Lakers organization. Since the season’s conclusion, discussions have taken place involving the Jazz and Lakers, with Hachimura frequently positioned as the key asset in any potential deal. Collins, at 27 years old, offers a more explosive presence on the court compared to Hachimura, who has a stronger shooting touch.
In the recent season, Collins converted 62.8% of his near-basket attempts—higher than the league average of 59.7%. Although Hachimura’s shooting percentage was slightly better at 63.2%, Collins made more shots in the restricted area despite playing 17 fewer games. Collins averaged 19.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, one steal, and one block per game in 40 appearances for the Jazz, while shooting nearly 40% from beyond the arc. Hachimura recorded 13.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game over 57 outings, peppering in 41.3% from three-point range.
Contract considerations play a notable role in the Lakers’ proposal. Collins holds a $26.6 million player option for the next season, while Hachimura is entering the final year of a three-year, $51 million extension with the Lakers, raising concerns about his potential departure next summer.
Adding a Center Remains Essential Despite Trade Efforts
Despite showing interest in Collins, the Lakers have maintained that acquiring a starting center remains their primary objective. Trade talks have involved strategic considerations regarding matching salaries, including the possibility of involving players with expiring contracts such as Gabe Vincent or Maxi Kleber. Such moves might enable the Lakers to avoid a hard salary cap penalty during these transactions, according to Anthony Irwin.
Walker Kessler, Utah’s starting center, remains a priority target for the Lakers, although his acquisition poses a greater challenge financially and strategically. The Jazz have demanded significant assets in exchange, including the Lakers’ 2029 and 2031 first-round draft picks and prospect Dalton Knecht, as outlined by NBA salary cap analyst Eric Pincus.
With the 2029 pick already traded in the Luka Dončić deal, the Lakers are left with only one tradable first-round pick, complicating any potential trade for Kessler unless the Jazz reduce their asking price. This makes a deal for Kessler unlikely in the near term, as the Lakers balance their pursuit of complementary pieces for Dončić with long-term roster strategy.
Luka Dončić Reaffirms Commitment Amid Ownership Change
Following the acquisition of the Lakers by new majority owner Mark Walter, also the owner of the LA Dodgers, Luka Dončić publicly affirmed his dedication to the franchise. The Buss family sold their majority share for an estimated $10 billion on June 18, 2024, but Dončić quickly dispelled any doubts about his future with the team amidst this transition.
He expressed enthusiasm for the new leadership and gratitude to the Buss family, particularly Jeanie Buss, who will retain a minority ownership stake and continue as the team governor. Dončić announced his optimism about collaborating with both Walter and Jeanie Buss to pursue championships.
“The Lakers are an amazing organization. I’m looking forward to meeting Mark and excited about the future. I am also grateful to Jeanie and the Buss family for welcoming me to LA, and I’m happy that Jeanie will continue to be involved. I look forward to working with both of them to win championships!”
—Luka Dončić, Lakers star
Dončić is eligible for a contract extension spanning four years and valued at $229 million, positioning him as the cornerstone of the franchise’s future plans as new ownership takes hold.