Last week, rumors swirled that the Los Angeles Lakers had been in conversations with the Utah Jazz about a trade for forward John Collins. However, a new report debunks that speculation.
It was reported last week that the Lakers had discussed a potential trade for Jazz big man John Collins. The word was that “many within the Lakers organization believe Collins would be an especially great fit alongside Luka Doncic.” What made the rumors interesting is that the team has reportedly had off-and-on talks with Utah over the last year about center Walker Kessler as well.
- John Collins stats 2024-25 (ESPN): 19.0 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 40% 3PT
However, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer, there is no truth to the Lakers-Collins speculation.
“The Lakers, I’m told, are not pursuing a trade for Utah’s John Collins despite reports suggesting otherwise,” Fischer wrote. “Utah is open to trading Collins this offseason, sources say, but his market is still forming and might not take shape until after this week’s draft proceedings. Thursday is the deadline for Collins to activate his $26.6 million player option for next season or bypass it to become a free agent.”
Four years ago, Collins was viewed as one of the rising stars in the league. It was why the Atlanta Hawks gave him a massive five-year extension worth $125 million in 2021. The hope was that he would be the centerpiece of a perennial playoff team. Unfortunately, he never took further steps forward in his game.
- John Collins contract (Spotrac): One year, $26.6 million left
It turned him from a future star to a player with a contract that was hard to move. Eventually, Atlanta was able to ship him off to the Jazz two summers ago. In his second season in Salt Lake, he had one of his best seasons in the league. Posting 19 points and eight boards per game. But he only suited up in 40 games due to injuries.
While Collins would be an interesting addition for LA, they badly need to acquire an impact center on the trade of free agent market first.
More Los Angeles Lakers news and rumors:
- Not every member of Buss family on-board with Lakers sale?
- Lakers and Rockets to compete for big-name free agent center
More About:NBA