The Perfect Lakers Trade Offer for John Collins
This offseason, the Lakers will look to improve the team, specifically in the frontcourt. Their goal isn’t just size alone, though. The front office will make sure that any new addition is an outstanding fit next to their newest superstar.
For the Lakers to reach the heights they expect in this new Doncic era, they’ll have to make it paramount to sign players who amplify Luka’s talents. They’ll need to possess qualities like defensive prowess and the ability not only to operate out of the pick-and-roll, but also to space the floor as well.
Players like that can be tough to find. Luckily, it’s been recently reported that Los Angeles has been in talks with the Utah Jazz about forward John Collins. He definitely fits the bill.
The Lakers and Jazz have discussed a trade centered on Rui Hachimura and John Collins, per @AnthonyIrwinLA
“Many within the Lakers organization believe Collins would be an especially great fit alongside Luka Doncic. Since their season ended, they’ve held a few conversations… pic.twitter.com/4AA2fmqbm2
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 19, 2025
Who is John Collins
If you’re looking for a rangy rim running big, who’s a serious lob threat, John Collins is your man.
The eighth-year forward just wrapped up his second season in Utah after playing his first six seasons in Atlanta. During his time in the league, his tremendous leaping and dunking ability may have distracted from his true talent.
There have reportedly been discussions between the Lakers & Jazz on a trade centered around John Collins.
John Collins last season:
• 19.0 PPG
• 8.2 RPG
• 1.0 STL
• 1.0 BLK
• 52.7/39.9/84.8 splits
• 40 GPper @andyblarsen pic.twitter.com/AYQVf4KkjA
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) June 18, 2025
Collins stacks up against many of the most talented forwards in the league. His three-point percentage was higher than that of players like Michael Porter Jr, Cam Johnson, and Pascal Siakam. His defensive versatility rating via CraftedNBA was also higher than that of players like Amen Thompson, Jaden McDaniels, and OG Anunoby.
Collins’ blocks per game even matched the reigning DPOY, Evan Mobley.
The Lakers and Jazz have discussed a trade centered around John Collins, per @andyblarsen
Here’s a potential trade the Lakers could offer 👀 pic.twitter.com/oNLK0frt7o
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) June 18, 2025
Lakers Perfect Trade Offer for John Collins
Lakers Receive: John Collins
Jazz Receive: Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, 2027 first-round pick (top-4 protection removed) & 2031 first-round pick
The sentiment I’ve seen over this trade on social media has been truly stunning. If you could get this deal done for one pick instead of two, obviously, you would do that.
They are also not really trading two first-round picks in this scenario, as the Jazz already own the Lakers’ 2027 first-round pick (5-30) from the trade for D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt a couple of years ago. This proposal just removes the top-four protection on the pick.
The idea, however, that Collins isn’t a player worth that is simply false.
We just saw Desmond Bane go for four first-round picks, and Collins’ talent is on par.
The other surprise from the reactions was the fanbase’s deep affinity for Rui Hachimura. Rui has had a great tenure with Los Angeles, but it has certainly come with its flaws.
His ability to consistently fall asleep on the defensive end has hurt the team on many occasions. Between that, his subpar rebounding, and his atrocious decision-making down low and on fastbreaks, it’s tough to vouch for a player of that size who really only shoots well.
For reference, Collins averages more points, rebounds, assists, blocks, steals, and has a higher field goal and free throw percentage than Hachimura. Those factors, paired with his play style being a far better fit with Luka, make this decision easy.
Frankly, I’d like to see the Lakers get really spicy by throwing in Knecht, another first, and landing Kessler in the haul as well. That’s wishful thinking, but you never know with new deep pockets in ownership.
The Fit
John Collins’ size and rebounding ability would quickly help a Lakers team that struggled in both categories. Outside of that, his play would specifically pair nicely with LA’s newest star.
Collins’s ability to run the pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop would work wonders with Luka, giving him a much-needed lob threat that can also knock down timely threes when asked. His defensive capabilities are also at a higher level than Rui’s, which will be necessary when playing with Luka.
John Collins fits Luka & Redick’s (system) VERY well
19.0 PPG on 52.7% and 39.9% 3PT, thrives off ball as well as his athleticism creates vertical spacing, and versatility on both ends of the court and obviously gives Luka a insane lob threat & JJ a perfect small ball 5
🍿🍿🍿
— ²³ (@SpeakContext) June 18, 2025
The main priority this summer remains landing a starting caliber center, but as the above tweet referenced, Collins can certainly take some of the load off. At 6’8, with his skill set, Collins could easily fill in some lineups as a valid small-ball center, making the need for a 30+ minute a night type of player less critical.
Collins in Purple and Gold would be a perfect fit. If the Lakers trade for John Collins, expect fireworks in Crypto.com Arena.
