Home / Sports / Lakers Pursue Former All-Star Lauri Markkanen to Bolster LeBron's Farewell Tour
Lakers Pursue Former All-Star Lauri Markkanen to Bolster LeBron's Farewell Tour
1 Aug
Summary
- LeBron James nearing end of legendary NBA career at age 41
- Lakers seek to trade for Lauri Markkanen to give James one last title shot
- Jazz in rebuilding mode, open to shedding Markkanen's $195M contract
As the 2025-2026 NBA season approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a unique position. Superstar LeBron James, now 41 years old, is nearing the end of his illustrious career, but he remains a dominant force, averaging 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists last season.
However, the Lakers have struggled to provide James with adequate support in recent years, finishing as the 7th seed three times between 2020 and 2024 and even missing the playoffs entirely in 2021-2022. The team's fortunes took a turn for the better in 2024 when they acquired Luka Dončić in a blockbuster trade, but even that wasn't enough to propel them past the 6th-seeded Timberwolves in the playoffs.
Now, with LeBron's farewell tour potentially looming, the Lakers are once again looking to swing for the fences. Their target this time is former All-Star Lauri Markkanen, who is currently under contract with the rebuilding Utah Jazz. The Jazz, who finished with the worst record in the NBA last season at 17-65, are expected to be open to shedding Markkanen's massive $195 million contract as they look to rebuild towards a brighter future.
Acquiring Markkanen would give the Lakers a significant boost in their quest for one last championship with LeBron at the helm. The 27-year-old forward is under team control through the 2028-2029 season, providing the Lakers with a long-term solution to complement their aging superstar.
