NBA (DR)

The objectives of the season having not been achieved, the leaders of the Lakers are currently increasing discussions internally and with competing franchises.

Thus, rumors about the recruitment of a new star are circulating, even if the negotiations promise to be complicated.

Eager to return to success after the coronation of 2020, the Lakers finally did worse than last season when it came to the playoffs.

Eliminated in the first round against the Nuggets, having offered disappointing content especially during crucial moments, the Purple & Gold now find themselves having to think about the decisions to come.

We then talk about the recruitment of a third star.

Although the subject of the extension of LeBron James is still topical, the leaders are quite confident on this subject and are therefore ready to look for reinforcement in order to replace the King and Anthony Davis .

According to information from the Heavy site , Lauri Markkanen is now one of the targets for Los Angeles.

It will therefore be important for the latter to convince Jazz to let go of their player.

Lauri Markkanen targeted by the Lakers?

They will listen. They always listen. Danny Ainge’s reputation is exaggerated. He wants a championship team, he wants to do what Sam Presti did in Oklahoma City.

He knows he is still far from it. It will be difficult and the price will be high, but this is the way it has to be done.

A priori, the Lauri Markkanen file will be as complicated sportingly as financially for the Lakers.

Arriving in 2022 at the Jazz, the Finn has established himself during the last two campaigns as one of the best strong wingers in the league.

He actually had seasons averaging 25.6 then 23.2 points in Utah. This gives Danny Ainge a big reason to want to keep his franchise player.

The $18 million contract that the former Bulls player will receive is also synonymous with his market value.

From a big picture perspective, Markkanen’s value to the Jazz is so great that it will take an offer that probably won’t come to snatch him from the Jazz.

Something like four or five first round picks, and some star level talent coming in….

He doesn’t need to be the dominant ball carrier on a team to put up his numbers.

And most importantly, he’s a high-level player who loves being at Utah. The Jazz fully intend to build around him. They intend to sign him to a long-term contract

In addition to the Lakers, you should know that the Knicks and the Heat have also shown their interest in Markkanen.

Suffice it to say that the negotiations will be very complicated for Californians.

Looking for a third star, the Lakers now have Lauri Markkanen in their sights. However, the Jazz star is considered almost indestructible in his franchise, knowing that the Knicks and the Heat would also have joined the discussions.