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The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to potential big trades at the deadline over the past few seasons. They pulled off one last year when they acquired Luka Dončić. This season, they were also connected to Walker Kessler, and it seemed like the timing could have been right since he didn’t receive a rookie extension.
“The Utah Jazz and Walker Kessler will not reach an agreement on a rookie-scale contract extension, league sources tell The Athletic, which clears the way for the starting center to reach restricted free agency next summer,” The Athletic’s Tony Jones wrote.
With that development, the Lakers were considered favorites to land Kessler coming into the season, as his price range might have decreased. Instead of requiring three first-round picks, his cost could have dropped significantly — giving the Lakers a chance to make a move.
“Kessler is coming off of a season in which he averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 4.6 offensive boards, 1.7 assists, and 2.4 blocks in 30.0 minutes per game,” Lake Show Life’s Max Ogden wrote. “It's unclear if Utah will be reasonable in its trade demands for Kessler, but the door appears at least slightly ajar for the Lakers to bring that value back to Los Angeles given the failed extension.”
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Kessler will miss the remainder of the season.
“Utah's Walker Kessler is undergoing season-ending left shoulder surgery for a torn labrum, sources tell ESPN,” Charania posted.
Now, if the Lakers want to find a solid center to back up Deandre Ayton, they will have to look elsewhere. This is a disappointing end to Kessler’s final year on his contract.
The Lakers seemed to have a solid shot at Kessler before the trade deadline, but that opportunity is now gone. Los Angeles will shift its focus to other options at center.
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