According to multiple reports, the Los Angeles Lakers have already started trade discussions lately, even though the NBA Finals haven’t ended yet. One beat reporter for the Utah Jazz said they have had discussions with the Jazz about both center Walker Kessler and forward John Collins.
While Kessler could be the ideal player to plug L.A.’s massive hole at the 5 spot, Collins could be a questionable fit. While he can play the 3 and the 5 positions, he’s primarily a power forward. L.A. already has LeBron James, whose primary position these days is power forward, as well as Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith and Jarred Vanderbilt to play at that spot.
According to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, the Lakers have offered Hachimura to Utah for Collins. He also reported that many in the organization like the idea of having Collins on the roster.
Via ClutchPoints:
“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 or someone who can finish well above the rim,” Irwin wrote. “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.”
The writer also noted that there is a possibility L.A. lands both Collins and Kessler.
“The Lakers have also remained interested in Walker Kessler and will likely remain as such until the end of time, so another possibility some around the league are wondering about is if a bigger deal involving Collins and Kessler could be in the works. Issue there is the Lakers’ lack of draft capital, as sources have indicated the price for Kessler is still quite high.”
Additionally, Irwin wrote that the decision of whether to swap Hachimura for Collins or keep Hachimura isn’t a simple one for the Lakers’ front office.
“A Collins-Hachimura swap would feel like a bit of a side-step for both Utah and L.A. as the players are so similar. They’re both big wings who primarily guard power forwards and space the floor. Hachimura is a little smaller and thus can move his feet better on the perimeter, but Collins’ size helps him rebound more consistently. Collins’ abilities as a vertical threat have made him a little more popular to some in the Lakers organization.
“This isn’t to say Hachimura doesn’t have his share of favorable voices in the Lakers offices. He has improved each season he’s been in the organization. He was one of the few players who truly competed in that fifth and final game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He’s willingly played out of position at times and done so without complaint. The Lakers truly do value what he brings to the table. Those who prefer Collins do so because of the improved fit.”
Collins, who is 6-foot-9 and 226 pounds, averaged 19.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 1.0 blocks a game while shooting 52.7% from the field and 39.9% from the field this season. He has a $26.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season.