Lakers Reportedly Held John Collins Trade Talks With Jazz, Rui Hachimura Linked

As the Los Angeles Lakers look to add more size and retool the roster to fit Luka Dončić's style of play, John Collins is a player they could make a push to acquire this offseason.

Per Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, the Lakers have had talks with the Utah Jazz centered around Collins and Rui Hachimura.

Irwin did note there's nothing imminent because the Lakers' primary focus at this point is on acquiring a starting center.

If the Lakers wanted to, they could try to build a bigger deal with the Jazz to satisfy their urge for a starting center and Collins. They have frequently been connected to Walker Kessler, with ESPN's Dave McMenamin saying earlier this week they are "intrigued" by the 23-year-old.

It doesn't seem like the Jazz are too eager to give up Kessler at this point. The Athletic's Jovan Buha (h/t Jared Koch of SI.com) noted earlier this month Utah's asking price for the center is likely to be very high.

Before the Jazz can trade Collins, he has an important contract decision to make. The veteran forward has a $26.6 million player option that must be exercised by June 26.

If Collins opts in to his deal, the Lakers might have to include additional salaries in a trade to avoid triggering the first apron. Irwin suggested the expiring contract for Gabe Vincent or Maxi Kleber could be moved, as either one would make the money match up almost perfectly.

Collins has been a better throughout his career than Hachimura and would be an upgrade for the Lakers. He's averaged 16.0 points and 8.1 rebounds in 472 games over the past eight seasons. Hachimura has averaged 12.6 points and 4.7 rebounds in 160 games since joining the Lakers.

There's also past evidence that Collins can be a lob threat playing with an elite passer based on his experience with Trae Young.

This figures to be a busy offseason in Los Angeles, as the Lakers look to maximize their upside with Dončić and LeBron James heading into their first full season together.