It seems the Los Angeles Lakers have had recent trade discussions with the Utah Jazz. However, it wasn’t for center Walker Kessler, as has been rumored recently.
The Lakers’ top priority this summer is to upgrade their center spot for the 2025-26 season. That is why they have been linked to various bigs on the trade and free agent market recently. Including Jazz center Walker Kessler, a player they have had interest in since last season. However, according to Clutch Points NBA insider Anthony Irwin, the team has actually had recent discussions about a different member of Utah’s frontcourt.
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“Sources close to the Los Angeles Lakers say that internally, they have long been fans of John Collins, who has the ability to stretch the floor both as a deep threat and someone who can finish well above the rim. Many within the Lakers organization believe Collins would be an especially great fit alongside Luka Doncic. Since their season ended, they’ve held a few conversations with the Utah Jazz to try to land the 27-year-old big man, with Rui Hachimura often the centerpiece of the deal.”
Anthony Irwin
John Collins stats (2024-25): 19.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 40% 3PT
Four years ago, Collins was viewed as one of the rising stars in the league. It was why the Atlanta Hawks gave him a massive five-year extension worth $125 million in 2021. The hope was that he would be the centerpiece of a perennial playoff team. Unfortunately, he never took further steps forward in his game.
It turned him from a future star to a player with a contract that was hard to move. Eventually, Atlanta was able to ship him off to the Jazz two summers ago. In his second season in Salt Lake, he had one of his best seasons in the league. Posting 19 points and eight boards per game. But he only suited up in 40 games due to injuries.
While the 6-foot-9 forward doesn’t give LA the center they are looking for, he would give them a formidable and versatile forward duo with LeBron James next season. The eight-year veteran has just one season and $26.5 million left on his deal. So if he doesn’t work out, he comes off the books after next year.
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After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos