“I want to win basketball games and get to the playoffs. Hopefully, at the end, get all the way to the ultimate goal. And they (Jazz) know that.”
“Like, I’ve seen NBA people turning down extensions, or signing them too early. I’ve got to sit down and think about it.”
-Lauri… pic.twitter.com/T53yKSw6pt
— 🏆LakersGuru🏆 (@GuruLakers) June 4, 2024
Sounds like Markkanen is tired of playing for losing teams
By 
June 4, 2024 3 Comments
https://twitter.com/LakerTom/status/1798021556750401950
The salary is about the best part of him coming to the Lakers. But honestly, he a floor spacing big on many a bad team. To expect him to do anything more than that is foolhardy unless you’re irrationally convinced that another 3 point chucker will fix everything. Still doesn’t do anything about the gaping holes in the defensive backcourt, 0 defense on the wings, and a cap situation that won’t let them do much about it.
Signing a player who makes only $17M allows the Lakers to have matching salary and cap space under the tax aprons to trade to upgrade other positions.
Additionally, there is no better big to pair with AD in a two-bigs lineup than Lauri Markkanen. He should be Lakers top target in the entire league.