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The Los Angeles Lakers’ second-round playoff elimination at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder made one thing abundantly clear: Deandre Ayton isn’t the answer for the franchise at the center position.
Did the former Phoenix Suns star have positive moments with the Lakers during his first season with the 17-time NBA champions? Absolutely, as Ayton recorded back-to-back double-doubles against the Houston Rockets in the opening round of the postseason to temporarily return to the franchise’s good side.
However, Ayton’s erratic play was integral to the organization’s 4-0 loss to the Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals, as he routinely surrendered offensive rebounds and lacked the aggression needed to win the frontcourt battle in the series.
As a result, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley believes that trading for a Utah Jazz shot-blocking star should be under consideration for the Lakers this summer.
“While the Lakers have squeezed what they can out of the Deandre Ayton-Jaxson Hayes combo at center, this position appears in most dire need of an offseason upgrade,” Buckley wrote Tuesday.
“L.A. would love for Kessler to provide that boost. He's been on the radar forever, and if negotiations get thorny enough with his upcoming restricted free agency, maybe this Lakers' long-held wish is finally granted.”
“If he stays healthy—shoulder surgery limited him to five appearances this season—he is precisely what this group needs in the middle. His elite paint protection would be invaluable behind L.A.'s offense-leaning backcourt, and his finishing ability would shine alongside this team's star shot-creators.”
Unfortunately, a left shoulder injury limited Kessler to five games this season. Still, the Auburn product was a highly productive two-way contributor in limited appearances with the Jazz, averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 70.3% from the field.
A Kessler-Luka Doncic pick-and-roll tandem would be must-see TV in Los Angeles, as Kessler’s elite ball tracking skills and 7-foot-4 wingspan combined with Doncic’s extraordinary vision and ball replacement would regularly result in successful lobs.
Additionally, Kessler’s reliable rim protection would allow the Lakers’ guards/wings to take more risks on the perimeter, knowing they’ll always have help on the backside.
If the Lakers deem Kessler a gettable asset this summer, a trade could be on the horizon.
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