The Los Angeles Lakers entered the postseason with a 50-32 record that secured them the third seed in a loaded Western Conference.
However, their playoff run was cut short as they were eliminated in five games by the Minnesota Timberwolves. In Game 5 of the series, the Lakers’ lack of frontcourt depth was on full display when they struggled defensively due to the absence of an effective center. The Timberwolves capitalized on that weakness as Rudy Gobert delivered a career-defining performance: He scored 27 points on an efficient 12-of-15 shooting night and pulled down 24 rebounds along with two blocks.
Moreover, Los Angeles center Jaxson Hayes was a non-factor, not even appearing in the crucial game — signaling the Lakers’ urgent need for reliable interior play.
Feb 10, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24), forward John Collins (20), Los Angeles Lakers center Jaxson Hayes (11) and guard Gabe Vincent (7) battle for a rebound in the second half at Crypto.com Arena.
Utah Jazz players Walker Kessler (24) and John Collins (20) battle for a rebound with Los Angeles Lakers Jaxson Hayes (11) and Gabe Vincent (7).
© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
As the LeBron James-Luka Doncic-led Lakers enter the offseason, the trade rumors have begun, as Jazz beat writer Andy Larsen on the "Locked On Jazz" podcast weighed in on a potential move for John Collins.
“The Lakers-John Collins conversation has been had," Larsen said. "The Warriors were interested at the trade deadline before they acquired Jimmy Butler. Contract-wise, that opportunity doesn’t work out anymore. Collins had a productive enough season last year that there should be interest somewhere in the league, though I don’t expect the Jazz to get meaningful value back in those deals.”
John Collins’ career began when he was selected as a first-round pick (19th overall) by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2017 NBA draft after a standout collegiate career for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, quickly establishing himself as a promising power forward.
During his rookie season, he averaged 10.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game — a performance that earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
Collins has steadily improved, averaging 19.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game in the 2024-25 regular season.