The Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz have reportedly engaged in preliminary trade discussions centered around forward John Collins, according to league sources. While nothing is imminent, the talks suggest that both franchises are exploring roster adjustments ahead of the upcoming NBA season, with the Lakers particularly focused on adding depth and versatility in their frontcourt.
John Collins, who joined the Jazz last season after spending the first six years of his career with the Atlanta Hawks, is coming off a solid season in which he averaged 15.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game while shooting over 50% from the field. His athleticism, rebounding ability, and capability to stretch the floor make him an intriguing fit for a team like the Lakers, who have been seeking frontcourt reinforcements to support stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
For the Lakers, acquiring Collins could serve multiple purposes. He would provide additional scoring and rebounding off the bench or in a complementary starting role alongside Davis. His age — still just 26 — also aligns with the franchise’s long-term goals, especially as they begin preparing for a transition phase post-LeBron. With limited cap space and few draft assets, the Lakers have been exploring creative trade avenues to enhance their roster without overhauling their core.
The Lakers’ trade assets include players like Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, D’Angelo Russell (via sign-and-trade), and the No. 17 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, which they are eligible to trade. Depending on the Jazz’s goals — whether they aim to continue building around young talent or retool for a more immediate playoff push — there could be mutual interest in striking a deal.
On the Jazz side, Collins has been a steady presence, but Utah remains in a transitional phase under head coach Will Hardy. The team has shown a willingness to develop younger talent, including Walker Kessler, Keyonte George, Taylor Hendricks, and Brice Sensabaugh. If the front office sees Collins as more valuable as a trade asset than as a long-term piece, moving him for younger players or future draft capital could be appealing.
One potential sticking point in any deal is Collins’ contract. He is owed approximately $26.6 million for the upcoming season, with a player option worth $26.6 million for the 2025-26 campaign. The Lakers would need to match salary in any trade, likely involving one or more rotational players to make the numbers work. Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ general manager, has made it clear that the team is focused on pursuing roster upgrades while maintaining financial flexibility, especially with new luxury tax thresholds looming under the updated CBA.
Another factor in play is the status of LeBron James, who has a player option for the upcoming season. Should he opt out or demand changes to the roster to improve title contention, the front office could feel added urgency to make a move like this. Collins’ ability to play both forward positions and his fit alongside LeBron and Davis could be seen as a boost to the team’s competitiveness in the crowded Western Conference.
While the talks between the Lakers and Jazz are still in the exploratory phase, league insiders believe there is mutual interest in continuing dialogue. The NBA offseason tends to ramp up following the draft and early free agency, so both teams may revisit negotiations depending on how other opportunities unfold.
At this stage, the potential acquisition of John Collins by the Lakers is just one of several possibilities being considered as Los Angeles looks to rebound from a disappointing playoff exit. For the Jazz, this trade could signal a deeper commitment to youth development or a broader reshuffling of their roster. As both franchises weigh their options, Collins’ future will be one to closely monitor in the coming weeks.
