The Los Angeles Lakers are actively seeking a new center, based on recent NBA trade chatter. However, one seasoned player is unlikely to land in LA.
The team missed out on Kristaps Porzingis, who was traded from the Celtics to the Atlanta Hawks. Porzingis had been a frequent target in hypothetical Lakers trade scenarios before the deal was finalized.
Another name tied to LA is Utah Jazz forward John Collins, a player often mentioned in trade speculation throughout his career. While Collins has been linked to the Lakers, the team reportedly isn’t pursuing a deal.
According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, despite recent reports, the Lakers are not moving forward with a trade for Collins. The update comes just a day ahead of the NBA Draft as trade discussions intensify.
“To reiterate an item from Monday night’s notes: The Lakers, I’m told, are not pursuing a trade for Utah’s John Collins despite reports suggesting otherwise,” Stein and Fischer shared in a June 24, 2025 report titled “The latest NBA trade talk, free agency rumbles and more on NBA Draft Eve.”
Sources added that while Utah is open to moving Collins, his market is still taking shape and might not become clearer until after the draft. Collins has until Thursday to decide whether to pick up his $26.6 million player option for next season or test free agency.
Collins’ Contract and Uncertain Trade Market
Though Collins has consistently been a name in trade rumors during his time with the Hawks, he wasn’t dealt until July 2023, when Atlanta sent him to Utah. He is currently on a five-year, $125 million contract and can become a free agent this offseason if he declines his 2025-26 player option.
The forward has played 410 games across eight NBA seasons, including 31 starts for Utah in 2024-25. Last season, he posted averages of 19 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal over 40 games.
Lakers Exploring Other Jazz Options – Including Walker Kessler
Although Collins seems off the table, the Lakers are reportedly eyeing another Jazz big man: center Walker Kessler.
“Giving up multiple picks to get there, that is on the table right now. I don’t know if the Jazz take it,” reported Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune, according to NBA Central. “Certainly, they haven’t so far.”
Kessler is on a much cheaper deal—a four-year, $13.3 million rookie contract, with 2025-26 being the final year. He’ll be a restricted free agent next summer if no extension is reached. Though less expensive contract-wise, acquiring Kessler might require a bigger trade package than Collins, as he likely holds higher value.
