The Los Angeles Lakers reportedly negotiated a potential deal for John Collins

According to Nico Martinez, a special contributor to US sports media F/W. As the 2025 NBA Finals approaches its end, offseason activity reaches an all-time high, with rumors and speculation running rampant. According to the latest intelligence from Los Angeles, the Lakers have been involved in the deal negotiations for a young big man from Utah: John Collins.

"The Lakers and Collins are a conversation that has already happened," Andy Brasson said on the "Locked on Jazz" podcast. “He had a good enough season last year, a productive enough, and someone should be interested in him, but I don’t expect the Jazz to regain value in these trades.” The Lakers are looking for a tightening up front after giving up Davis by the deadline and canceling subsequent deals against Mark Williams. The Lakers were forced to put Hayes as center, and the Lakers’ big depth is a major area of ​​focus in the 2024-25 season, which many believe is hindering their greater success in the playoffs.

Entering the summer, expanding and upgrading the frontcourt has become the Lakers' top priority, and they have tested the market with several key big players. Collins, 27, has just reached the peak of his career and while he is not a star, he is still a person who can make a huge impact in the right situation. In 40 games this season, he averaged 19.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game, shooting 52.7% from the field. An elite athlete and 225 pound big man, he is very good at playing above the rim and completing easy shots against his opponent.

Unfortunately, Collins is not outstanding on the defensive end, but his size, mobility and athleticism make it easy for him to surpass the Lakers' current frontcourt rotation. His youth and skills will make him perfect for fighting alongside Doncic, who thrives with big men like Lively, Garford and PJ Washington. It's impossible to know what a potential trade for Collins would look like, but the Lakers at least have to give up on electric fans and Miltons to play. Not to mention a series of draft picks, which may require at least two or three second-round picks to attract the Jazz.

Of course, the Lakers can also take the deal to another level by trying to negotiate for young center Kessler in the deal. Collins and Kessler will be a big addition to the Lakers’ rotation, but they may not have enough assets to get both. At this point, the Jazz are not in a hurry to break up their young core, they will only break up with their players for a meaningful deal. If it is not a draft pick collection, it must include at least two young players with marginal All-Star potential.

For the Lakers, while Collins may not be their first choice, he is still their reliable acquisition and will undoubtedly thrive with Doncic and James' elite organizational skills. They may need more than Collins to fight for next year’s championship, but it’s certainly a great starting point after this season’s disappointing playoffs.