{"id":108619,"date":"2025-06-19T01:45:17","date_gmt":"2025-06-19T01:45:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/108619\/"},"modified":"2025-06-19T01:45:17","modified_gmt":"2025-06-19T01:45:17","slug":"report-lakers-and-jazz-had-a-conversation-around-key-starter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/108619\/","title":{"rendered":"Report: Lakers and Jazz Had “A Conversation” Around Key Starter"},"content":{"rendered":"

Amid numerous trade rumors between the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a> and Utah Jazz, one writer confirmed the two sides began negotiations on a key frontcourt starter\u2014just not the one fans expected.<\/p>\n

Report: Lakers and Jazz Had \u201cA Conversation\u201d Around Key Starter
\nAndy Larsen: Lakers, Jazz Talked John Collins<\/p>\n

In the latest episode of \u201cLocked on Jazz,\u201d Salt Lake Tribune writer Andy Larsen said the Lakers and Jazz touched base on John Collins<\/a>, the 27-year-old forward and former All-Rookie Second Team<\/a> selection.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Lakers-John Collins has been a conversation that\u2019s been had,\u201d Larsen said<\/a>. \u201cHe had a good enough season\u2014a productive enough season last year\u2014that there should be interest in the league somewhere for him.\u00a0 I don\u2019t expect the Jazz to get value back necessarily in those deals, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

The 19th overall pick in 2017, Collins just averaged 19 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists on .527\/.399\/.848 splits. He also made his mark defensively, tallying a steal and a block per game. Despite a solid campaign, Collins\u2019 averages came in a career-low 40 games, including a left ankle sprain<\/a> that sidelined him for the last few weeks of the season. Injuries aside, Collins enjoyed a season of growth on and off the court<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"FebFeb 12, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward John Collins (20) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

With the Lakers in need of frontcourt help, Collins would be a worthy addition as an athletic two-way forward who can score in a hurry\u2014not to mention his remarkable collection<\/a> of posters<\/a> over the years. He would also fit the Lakers\u2019 timeline to a tee, serving as the perfect lob threat and floor spacer next to Luka Doncic<\/a> in the near future.<\/p>\n

What Could a Collins Trade Look Like?<\/p>\n

Collins currently has a $26.5 million player option<\/a> on the table. Should he accept it and the Jazz decide to trade him, the Lakers have the assets to match that number.<\/p>\n

LA has three prominent expiring contracts at their disposal: Rui Hachimura<\/a> ($18.5 million), Gabe Vincent<\/a> ($11.5 million) and Maxi Kleber<\/a> ($11 million). There\u2019s also Dalton Knecht ($4 million) and then 2031 first-round pick, both among LA\u2019s \u201cbest assets\u201d<\/a> next to the aforementioned players. With Hachimura and Kleber essentially playing the same position as Collins, it wouldn\u2019t be surprising if a deal like the one below came along.<\/p>\n

The Lakers and Jazz have discussed a trade centered around John Collins, per @andyblarsen<\/a><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a potential trade the Lakers could offer \ud83d\udc40 pic.twitter.com\/oNLK0frt7o<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) June 18, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

In this case, Collins would be an upgrade over Hachimura, and the opportunity to give Rui and Kleber fresh starts shouldn\u2019t be overlooked, either. While Collins doesn\u2019t necessarily fill a positional need, he would offer a burst of scoring and athleticism next to Doncic, LeBron James<\/a> and Austin Reaves<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If the Lakers also managed to acquire Walker Kessler<\/a>, then it would make a Collins deal a home run for LA, killing two birds with one stone. The 23-year-old center is making just $4.8 million next season and fills other vital needs that Collins can\u2019t. Before the Lakers get greedy, though, it\u2019s worth seeing how current negotiations progress, and whether discussions around Collins could be a step toward a larger move.<\/p>\n

\u00a9 Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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