Lakers get good Walker Kessler trade news

Walker Kessler was on the Los Angeles Lakers’ radar last season, but the Utah Jazz made it clear they weren’t interested in trading their star center. 

While the same can be said about this season, Forbes’ Evan Sidery recently reported that Los Angeles plans to pursue the Auburn product when the offseason arrives.

“There is significant buzz building around the Lakers preparing to aggressively pursue Walker Kessler in free agency,” Sidery wrote Wednesday.

“Armed with cap space to make a lucrative offer sheet to Kessler, teams wonder if the Jazz will ultimately match a figure well above their preferred price range.”

Unfortunately for Kessler, his 2025-26 season will end prematurely. The 7-foot-2 center only appeared in five games with the Jazz this season before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. 

Still, it’s worth noting that the 24-year-old was dynamic in those five outings, as he averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 points, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 70.3% from the field. If a big man in today’s NBA is unable to be a threat from beyond the arc, he must compensate by being a near-automatic finisher around the rim and a force to be reckoned with defensively. 

Luckily for Kessler, he checks both of those boxes, as his pick-and-roll brilliance combined with his elite rim protection makes him one of the most enticing young big men in the NBA. 

The Lakers are stuck with Deandre Ayton for now, but they could improve their frontcourt unit in the summer if they play their cards right.

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