Lakers may cut ties with Dalton Knecht in favor of Jazz's $13.3 million star

The Los Angeles Lakers would be foolish to move forward with their current roster. 

Pursuing an underrated Utah Jazz center with a high ceiling could positively change the trajectory of the Lakers’ season. 

“Walker Kessler’s elite shot-blocking (2.4 blocks per game) and rebounding (11.5 rebounds per game) would solidify the Lakers’ interior defense, giving Anthony Davis more freedom to roam defensively and revert back to his favored power forward position,” Fadeaway World’s Eddie Bitar wrote Friday.

“Pairing Kessler with AD would create one of the league’s most intimidating defensive duos, and Lakers fans probably wouldn’t mind sacrificing key assets such as Dalton Knecht to acquire the big man.”

“Amazingly, it has even been reported that the Lakers were close to acquiring Kessler a few months ago but have yet to pull the trigger.”

“Additionally, Collin Sexton (18.3 points per game on 41.3% from three) would also bolster the Lakers’ bench scoring, adding much-needed offensive firepower in non-LeBron minutes.”

“No doubt, this deal would make Davis the happiest person on the Lakers because that twin-towers pairing would be tough for opposing teams to handle.”

“This trade package is relatively modest compared to other proposals, with Rui Hachimura and rookie Dalton Knecht heading to Utah.”

“While Hachimura’s versatility is a loss, Kessler’s defensive impact and Sexton’s scoring make this a win-now move for Los Angeles.”

“The Jazz, focused on developing their young core, would view Hachimura as a long-term asset while freeing up more minutes for Ochai Agbaji and Keyonte George.”

The Jazz are undoubtedly the laughingstock of the NBA, but they have assets that make them watchable. 

Kessler, a high-energy 7-foot-2 big man capable of catching lobs at the rim, utilizing simplistic post moves to score in the paint, and elevating for aesthetically pleasing blocks, has enjoyed an impressive season in Utah. 

Kessler averages 11.3 points and 11.5 rebounds on 72.7% field goal shooting with the Jazz in Year 3. 

If the Lakers plan to give Davis a viable low post partner before the Feb. 6 trade deadline, they should consider contacting the Auburn product. 

However, swapping Knecht, a rising star, for another evolving young asset in Kessler may not move the needle for Los Angeles, forcing them to disregard Bitar’s trade proposal.

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