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The Los Angeles Lakers are the marquee team in the NBA. That’s been the case since the league’s inception, and it hasn’t changed. The 17-time champs are always at the forefront of the NBA world, and that is the case as the season is underway. LA has already endured its fair share of injuries, being struck by the injury bug just four games into the season. NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – OCTOBER 23: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans passes the ball as Walker Kessler #24 of the Utah Jazz and Lauri Markkanen #23 defend during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center on October 23, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) LA was without several players for their contests on Monday, and if the team continues at this rate, the Lakers could be in for a long season. The good news is, these issues aren’t considered significant and the team should be in full force sooner rather than later. With that being the case, the Lakers are still among the teams that could compete for a title, especially if they make a major trade or two before the deadline. The Lakers are expected to be big players prior to the Feb. 6 deadline, and one of the many moves they could explore is possibly acquiring Utah Jazz All-Star forward Lauri Markkanen. More news: Lakers Receive Unexpected LeBron James Injury Update Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report listed one trade target for every NBA team, and he listed Markkanen as the one player for the Lakers. “If LeBron James misses extended time with sciatica or any other ailment, the Los Angeles Lakers are going to need more offense from players not named Luka Dončić. “Lauri Markkanen may tie up the future cap sheets, but he’s an ideal starting forward to pair next to Dončić, and at age 28, is in the prime of his career. “The 7-footer can knock down threes, put the ball on the floor and isn’t afraid to dunk over opponents in traffic. With or without James in the lineup, Markkanen would be a huge add for a Lakers team that needs to keep pace with squads like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets in the West,” Swartz wrote. Markkanen has been on the trading block for some time. If the Lakers are serious about a championship, not only this season but for years to come, Markkanen may be the player who could help them take them over the top. The 28-year-old is in his first year of a massive four-year, $195.9 million contract. For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.
