Amid numerous trade rumors between the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz, one writer confirmed the two sides began negotiations on a key frontcourt starter—just not the one fans expected.
Report: Lakers and Jazz Had “A Conversation” Around Key Starter
Andy Larsen: Lakers, Jazz Talked John Collins
In the latest episode of “Locked on Jazz,” Salt Lake Tribune writer Andy Larsen said the Lakers and Jazz touched base on John Collins, the 27-year-old forward and former All-Rookie Second Team selection.
“The Lakers-John Collins has been a conversation that’s been had,” Larsen said. “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.”
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’ averages came in a career-low 40 games, including a left ankle sprain that sidelined him for the last few weeks of the season. Injuries aside, Collins enjoyed a season of growth on and off the court.
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—not to mention his remarkable collection of posters over the years. He would also fit the Lakers’ timeline to a tee, serving as the perfect lob threat and floor spacer next to Luka Doncic in the near future.
What Could a Collins Trade Look Like?
Collins currently has a $26.5 million player option on the table. Should he accept it and the Jazz decide to trade him, the Lakers have the assets to match that number.
LA has three prominent expiring contracts at their disposal: Rui Hachimura ($18.5 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million) and Maxi Kleber ($11 million). There’s also Dalton Knecht ($4 million) and then 2031 first-round pick, both among LA’s “best assets” next to the aforementioned players. With Hachimura and Kleber essentially playing the same position as Collins, it wouldn’t be surprising if a deal like the one below came along.
The Lakers and Jazz have discussed a trade centered around John Collins, per @andyblarsen
Here’s a potential trade the Lakers could offer
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— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) June 18, 2025
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In this case, Collins would be an upgrade over Hachimura, and the opportunity to give Rui and Kleber fresh starts shouldn’t be overlooked, either. While Collins doesn’t necessarily fill a positional need, he would offer a burst of scoring and athleticism next to Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves.
If the Lakers also managed to acquire Walker Kessler, 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’t. Before the Lakers get greedy, though, it’s worth seeing how current negotiations progress, and whether discussions around Collins could be a step toward a larger move.
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