There was some earlier intel revealing that the Los Angeles Lakers had inquired about John Collins to the Utah Jazz. That has since been labeled as a mischaracterization, but even that has now come into question following the latest from Tony Jones.
It started with Andy Larsen, who revealed that the Lakers had talked about Collins with the Jazz at some point. That sparked some intrigue about whether the two sides would re-visit those discussions this offseason.
However, intel from Marc Stein revealed that the Laker's interest in Collins may have come out because of their legitimate interest in Walker Kessler, and that the possibility of them being a trade suitor is a "mischaracterization."
It was around that very time that Tony Jones had the following to say on "Jackpotting Around" about the Lakers and Collins.
“The Lakers definitely like John Collins quite a bit. So we'll see what happens there.” — @Tjonesonthenba https://t.co/UzoEDGlCW5
— Art Cummings (@ArtTakesNote) June 24, 2025
It would make sense if the Lakers preferred Kessler over Collins because the former would fill some of their biggest needs. It wouldn't make sense if they hadn't considered adding Collins at all because he's a much more realistic target than Kessler.
Now whether they get him or not is honestly up to what the Jazz and Lakers want. Collins is coming off an excellent season, but has an expiring contract. The Lakers likely won't invest too much in a flight risk, but if he's the best option out there, and knowing the window is closing with LeBron James, there is a nonzero chance the Jazz could get something out of a deal like that.
As insane as LeBron James still is, the insanity is starting to slow down, so LA has no time to waste. With the limited talent pool of big men available this summer, the Lakers shouldn't take any half measures. While Collins may not be a full measure per se, he might be the closest commodity to one.
Who's to say the Lakers would be the only team interested in Collins?
The reason why the Lakers and Collins have come up so much recently is because one, they're the Lakers, so there are plenty of eyes peeled on them, and two, everyone knows their biggest hole is their big man depth.
Even if the Jazz will make Collins available this offseason, it's not like other teams don't have a pressing need for a big man. The Pistons want a stretch big, the Bucks want a Brook Lopez replacement, and the Celtics just traded Kristaps Porzingis. That's just to name a few.
It's not lunacy to float the idea that the Lakers wouldn't be alone in the John Collins sweepstakes this summer. Since there is already conflicting intel going around involving Collins' name, there just might be more coming out between now and when Collins leaves the Jazz.
That might be tomorrow. That might be before training camp. That might be next February. That might never come at all. Nonetheless, this should be a fun summer filled with Collins rumors!