NBA REPORT: The $196 million Utah Jazz top-tier scorer and veteran star forward is finally joining the Los Angeles Lakers. In a shocking three-way blockbuster deal, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and a first-round pick are given up.

In what can only be described as one of the most shocking developments of the 2025 NBA offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers have successfully pulled off a seismic three-team trade that brings a top-tier scorer and $196 million Utah Jazz veteran forward to Hollywood. In exchange, the Lakers parted ways with fan favorites Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, along with a coveted future first-round draft pick.

This deal sends ripples across the entire league, as the Lakers make a bold, all-in move to maximize the championship window in the twilight of LeBron James’ career. The Jazz, on the other hand, have officially hit the reset button, leaning into a youth movement centered around their draft capital and young core. Meanwhile, the third team in the deal—yet to be officially disclosed—has played a vital role in facilitating the salary logistics of this complex exchange.

The official trade details are as follows:

• Los Angeles Lakers receive: Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz)
• Utah Jazz receive: Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, 2027 Lakers first-round pick (unprotected)
• Third Team (TBD): Minor draft considerations and salary filler to balance cap requirements

At the heart of the deal is Finnish forward Lauri Markkanen, the 7-foot sharpshooter who has blossomed into one of the NBA’s most efficient and versatile scorers. Acquired by Utah in 2022 as part of the Donovan Mitchell trade, Markkanen emerged as a franchise centerpiece with his breakout All-Star campaign in 2023, averaging over 25 points and 8 rebounds per game. His unique blend of size, shooting, and mobility makes him an ideal fit in today’s positionless, space-oriented NBA.

For the Lakers, this move signals an aggressive push toward immediate title contention. At 39 years old, LeBron James is still defying time, but the Lakers know the window won’t stay open much longer. Anthony Davis remains an elite two-way force, but injuries and inconsistencies have defined his recent years. The front office’s decision to part ways with both Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura—two young, promising pieces—underscores the urgency to maximize the present.

General Manager Rob Pelinka explained the rationale behind the move in a brief statement:

“We believe in the core we’ve built, and this move gives us a dynamic frontcourt presence that can stretch the floor, create mismatches, and complement both LeBron and AD. We’re grateful for what Austin and Rui have contributed and wish them nothing but success.”

Markkanen’s arrival provides the Lakers with a legitimate third star who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective. He’s a catch-and-shoot menace from deep, a capable cutter, and a strong rebounder. Perhaps more importantly, he spaces the floor in ways neither Hachimura nor Reaves could. Pairing him with Davis in the frontcourt gives the Lakers a modern, flexible lineup capable of punishing small-ball teams and spacing out traditional bigs.

The departure of Austin Reaves will be particularly painful for Laker fans. Undrafted in 2021, Reaves quickly became a cult favorite due to his gritty play, scoring knack, and high basketball IQ. He played a key role in the Lakers’ 2023 Western Conference Finals run, and many viewed him as a future cornerstone of the franchise. His $56 million contract signed in 2023 had become a steal given his production and growth.

Rui Hachimura, acquired at the 2023 trade deadline from Washington, also found a home in L.A., serving as a versatile forward who could defend multiple positions and hit midrange shots in rhythm. At just 26, his best basketball may still lie ahead.

Their departure reflects the difficult decisions title-chasing teams often face. The Lakers are gambling that Markkanen’s offensive upside and floor-stretching capabilities can elevate them past the likes of Denver, Minnesota, and the ever-dangerous Golden State Warriors.

As for the Utah Jazz, this move clearly signals a shift from competitive rebuilding to full-scale roster deconstruction. After stockpiling young talent and draft picks over the past three years, General Manager Danny Ainge appears to have finally committed to a total rebuild.

Lauri Markkanen, while beloved in Salt Lake City, was heading into the final year of his team-friendly contract extension. Rather than risk losing him for nothing—or shelling out another $200+ million extension—the Jazz opted to sell high. By acquiring Reaves, Hachimura, and an unprotected first-round pick, they gain both proven young talent and future flexibility.

Reaves gives Utah a plug-and-play guard who can handle the ball, shoot from the perimeter, and lead the locker room. His poise and work ethic should be a strong influence on Utah’s younger players like Keyonte George, Taylor Hendricks, and Walker Kessler. Hachimura provides size and scoring from the wing, something the Jazz lacked during their inconsistent 2024-25 campaign.

From a basketball standpoint, Markkanen could be the missing piece to unlock the Lakers’ offense. In Utah, he developed into a three-level scorer who thrived both as a pick-and-pop partner and in transition. He shot 39.1% from three on high volume and frequently drew mismatches due to his size and agility.

With Darvin Ham likely continuing to run a motion-heavy offense around LeBron and AD, Markkanen’s off-ball movement will be crucial. He won’t need to dominate the ball—he can float to the perimeter, attack closeouts, and rebound efficiently. He’s also deceptively athletic, capable of running the floor in fast breaks and finishing with authority.

Defensively, Markkanen has made strides but isn’t considered elite. That said, his length and mobility will allow the Lakers to play bigger lineups without sacrificing spacing. With Davis anchoring the defense and players like Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, and Max Christie providing perimeter resistance, L.A. can afford to hide Markkanen when needed.

Financially, this trade is complicated—but manageable for the Lakers. Markkanen’s current deal, a 4-year, $67.5 million extension signed in 2022, is considered one of the league’s best value contracts. He’s eligible for a significant raise in 2026, and the Lakers will have his Bird Rights when that time comes.

By moving both Reaves (owed $13.5M annually) and Hachimura (approximately $17M annually), the Lakers clear just enough space to absorb Markkanen’s $18M salary this year. The third team in the deal—possibly the Indiana Pacers or Orlando Magic—assists in taking on minor salary to facilitate this, ensuring all teams remain cap-compliant.

The NBA world responded swiftly—and emotionally—to the news.

• NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski called it “a major paradigm shift in the West.”
• ESPN’s Brian Windhorst labeled it “the boldest gamble of the post-Kobe Lakers era.”
• Lakers legend Magic Johnson tweeted: “Love this move by the Lakers! Lauri is a baller. Reaves and Rui will be missed but this is about winning a ring NOW.”

Lakers fans were torn. While many praised the front office for making a move that brings in a proven All-Star talent, others lamented the loss of Reaves in particular, whose journey from undrafted free agent to Lakers starter had become a feel-good story.

Jazz fans, meanwhile, are mostly resigned to the rebuild. Lauri Markkanen had grown into a fan favorite, but most recognized that trading him was likely inevitable. The return—especially Reaves—has generated optimism for a promising new era.

For the Lakers, the next few weeks will be crucial. The team is reportedly eyeing veteran shooters and backup bigs to fill out the bench. With LeBron likely to return for his 23rd season and Anthony Davis still playing at an elite level, the trio of LeBron-AD-Markkanen suddenly becomes one of the most dangerous in the league.

For Utah, all eyes now shift to the NBA Draft and free agency. With a surplus of picks and young assets, don’t be surprised if Ainge looks to package players for another young star or move up in the draft.

Blockbuster trades like this don’t happen every day. They require risk, vision, and a touch of audacity. The Lakers have shown they’re not content to rest on the past. With Lauri Markkanen now donning the purple and gold, L.A. has reloaded for another title run—one that might just bring a record 18th banner to Crypto.com Arena.

Whether or not it pays off remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: the NBA landscape has shifted, and the Lakers are right back in the thick of the championship conversation.