Par Mathieu Seguin | Rédacteur sport
A change is expected for the Lakers this summer as the franchise looks to address its weaknesses by targeting an interior player who can make a real impact. After a disappointing season, strengthening the frontcourt has become a top priority for the management, who want to provide Luka Doncic with strong support.
Among the options being explored to bolster the Lakers’ interior, John Collins of the Utah Jazz has been frequently mentioned in recent discussions. He’s not the only candidate, but the former Hawks player is often linked to the California franchise these past weeks. The question remains whether the Lakers will be able to close the deal.
Negotiations with the Jazz have already started, according to several sources close to the team. The Lakers are considering offering Rui Hachimura as a key piece in a potential trade to convince Utah to part ways with Collins. At 27 years old, Collins is an athletic and versatile big man who could perfectly complement the Lakers’ style of play.
What trade for the Lakers?
Anthony Irwin : “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.”
This statement clearly shows the Lakers’ serious intentions to strengthen their roster. The importance of bolstering the frontcourt becomes evident when considering Luka Doncic’s key role in the Lakers’ system. The Slovenian guard, who can carry the offense, needs strong partners inside to create space and protect the rim. A center capable of dominating defensively and contributing offensively would allow the Lakers to maximize Doncic’s impact on the court.
Beyond John Collins, the Lakers have several other targets in mind to address this crucial need. Names like Nic Claxton, Walker Kessler, and even Daniel Gafford have been mentioned as possible reinforcements, each with different profiles but solid potential to improve the interior presence. The challenge will be to finalize an acceptable deal, especially with teams like the Jazz known for their tough negotiations.
If this trade materializes, it would be a significant step in the Lakers’ quest to become competitive again. However, the franchise is also exploring other options to strengthen its interior. The coming months will be crucial as the team aims to rebuild quickly and return to the NBA’s forefront.