In the event that Danny Ainge and the Utah Jazz decide to trade star Lauri Markkanen during the offseason, a general manager in the NBA thinks the Los Angeles Lakers will take notice.

The general manager claims that Markkanen would be the Lakers’ “dream target,” but they wouldn’t be the only team to pursue him.

Looking at it, he is going to be their dream target for a few teams, the general manager told Heavy.com. “The Lakers have someone like him in Anthony Davis, and it’s great for both of them.” The Knicks would be thrilled to sign him. Once more, the Heat paired him with Bam (Adebayo), and you want to center your strategy around that duo. Jimmy (Butler) may be sent wherever he pleases.

The floor-spacing feature alone is really significant. He might be able to ease the burden on your stars.

The Jazz are anticipated to drive a hard bargain, presuming they choose not to extend Markkanen. The Lakers may find that difficult as they won’t have a first-round pick up for grabs until 2029 after this year’s draft.

They might put up additional future selections and one or two role players, but if a bidding war breaks out, it might not be sufficient. The issue for the Lakers is that, let’s say, the best offer will be Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and two first-round picks.

I can defeat that if I am Oklahoma City. I can overcome it if I were Houston. The GM stated, “The Warriors can defeat it—there’s a long list.”

Therefore, the only scenario in which this occurs is that the Lakers are sitting there with the best offer while other clubs get concerned about his injury history. Utah would have to take it into consideration if they know they won’t be extending him. Though I believe they overextend him, you still have to think about it.

If Markkanen becomes available, the Lakers should vigorously pursue the Jazz despite some roadblocks.