The Los Angeles Lakers may have filled their hole at center with the signing of Deandre Ayton this offseason, but that won’t stop them from chasing another big man. A league source told Lakers Daily that the Lakers plan to make another push for Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler during the 2025-26 season.
The Lakers have tried to trade for Kessler in each of the past two years. Their interest has not faded, even after Luka Doncic, who shares an agent with Ayton in Bill Duffy, helped recruit the former No. 1 pick to Los Angeles. “The Lakers will attempt to trade for Kessler again during the 2025-26 season,” according to the report.
Meanwhile, Tony Jones of The Athletic noted that Kessler and Utah “will not agree to a rookie-scale extension,” setting him up to hit restricted free agency next summer once the Jazz tender a qualifying offer.
The 24-year-old is viewed as one of the league’s best young defensive centers. Last season, he averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.6 steals and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 66.3 percent from the field. He recorded 28 double-doubles across 58 appearances. For his career, he owns averages of 9.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.5 steals and 2.4 blocks.
Utah is expected to keep its asking price steep. The Jazz would want Austin Reaves and multiple first-round picks in return, one source told Lakers Daily. That price has kept Los Angeles from pulling the trigger so far, but many believe Kessler would be an ideal complement to Doncic and LeBron James. His rim protection and lob-finishing ability could balance out the Lakers’ offense and defense.
For now, head coach JJ Redick will roll with a projected starting lineup of Dončić, Reaves, Rui Hachimura, James, and Ayton, while newcomers Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia come off the bench. But as the February trade deadline nears, all eyes will be on Rob Pelinka to see if this is the year Los Angeles finally gets Kessler.
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