John Collins, F, Atlanta Hawks
After missing the whole month of November last season with an injury, John Collins enters the 2020-21 NBA season fully healthy and ready to make a huge impact with the Hawks. Last season, Collins had his best statistical season of his career, averaging 21.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and shooting 58.3% from the floor, 40.1% from three-point range in 41 games.
He has solidified himself as one of the most versatile power-forwards in the entire league and whether it is in the low-post or on the perimeter, John Collins can score from anywhere on the court. Collins is still on his rookie contract, meaning that the Lakers could easily absorb his contract, but he may come at a hefty price.
If the Lakers were to offer Kyle Kuzma, Talen Horton-Tucker and one or two first-round picks, the Atlanta Hawks would definitely be willing to talk. They still may hold off on trading John Collins, as he has emerged as a potential All-Star talent, but the Hawks would be willing to discuss a potential trade.
Acquiring John Collins would set the Lakers up for success now and moving forward as he is a much better player than Kyle Kuzma and has a major upside. If the Lakers were able to acquire him, he would become the team’s starting power-forward and they would likely push Anthony Davis to center.
A starting lineup of Schroder, Caldwell-Pope, James, Collins and Davis with Harrell, Gasol and Morris coming off the bench is a much better roster than the Lakers have now and should lead them back to the NBA Finals for the second straight season.
