With the Lakers looking to improve this offseason, they’ve reportedly had conversations with the Jazz about John Collins.
While adding a center this summer is a top priority for the Lakers, they need more than one piece to turn into title contenders.
As the NBA offseason ramps up, we are hearing more chatter regarding the players Los Angeles is pursuing.
One of those players is Utah Jazz forward John Collins.
The Jazz are deep into a rebuild and if the Lakers can create a trade that appeals to them, it can help both sides improve their situation.
In a recent episode of “Locked on Jazz,” Utah beat writer Andy Larsen said the Lakers have had trade talks regarding Collins.
“The Lakers, John Collins, I think, has been a conversation that’s been had. The Warriors were interested for a second at the trade deadline. Then they got Jimmy Butler. I think just contract-wise, that doesn’t work out anymore. I think he had a good enough season, a productive enough season last year, that there should be interest in the league somewhere for him. I don’t expect the Jazz to get value back necessarily in those deals, though.”
Collins was arguably the best player for the Jazz this past season. He averaged 19 points, 8.2 rebounds and shot a career-high 39% from 3-point range.
A forward with this kind of offensive production is exactly the type of player the Lakers could use. Collins also fits the archetype of a lob threat that Luka Dončić benefits from playing with.
However, having talks about a player is one thing, but actually getting a deal done is another.
So far, a trade is still far from a foregone conclusion and plenty of teams will be contacting the Jazz for their young guys.
The Lakers have also reportedly made a trade offer for Jazz center Walker Kessler, so clearly Los Angeles is looking at Utah’s assets and seeing if they can extract one of their players.
Regardless of whether Collins or Walker ever becomes a Laker, one thing that is clear is that Los Angeles is hard at work trying to upgrade its roster and deals are being discussed.
One way or another, changes are coming and the 2025-26 Lakers will likely look very different from this year’s iteration.
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.