Collins was originally selected by the Atlanta Hawks as the No. 19 pick of the 2017 draft. After spending his first six seasons in Atlanta, he was dealt to the Jazz ahead of the 2023-24 campaign. He has averaged 16.5 points in 108 games and two seasons with the Jazz.

The Lakers have been a team mentioned in trade rumors for John Collins, but it's been uncertain if they would make a move for him.

For a while now, there has been reported interest — serious interest — in Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler by the Los Angeles Lakers. Going back to the trade deadline and even before that, the Lakers have been connected with Kessler, the Jazz’s young (23-year-old) and at times tantalizing center.