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2 hours ago
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The Los Angeles Lakers could hit the big man jackpot this summer if a recent rumor surrounding the Utah Jazz’s 7-foot-2 defensive star is true.
Essentially, the Athletic’s Sam Amick recently reported that the Jazz’s ‘current handling’ of the Auburn Product’s restricted free agency has created tension between the two parties. Shortly after Amick’s intel, NBA analyst Jake Weinbach stated that the Lakers could be a viable offseason landing spot for the future All-Star.
“Walker Kessler is ‘at odds’ with the Jazz over his extension talks,” Weinbach wrote on X/Twitter Monday while referencing Amick’s report.
“The Lakers and (Chicago) Bulls are two cap-space teams that could emerge as potential suitors for the 24-year-old center. However, Utah can match any offer sheet Kessler signs as a restricted free agent.”
It’s reasonable to assume the Lakers comprehended that the only realistic path for them to secure Kessler was for the former first-round pick and the Jazz to be on different pages regarding a new deal.
Fortunately for the 17-time NBA champions, their dream seems to be coming true, allowing them to swoop in and offer Kessler the type of deal he undoubtedly deserves. In addition to building a reputation for being an elite pick-and-roll defender and shot blocker, Kessler is one of the most efficient low-post finishers in the league.
The 24-year-old, who's currently recovering from a shoulder injury that forced him to miss most of this past season, averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game while shooting 70.3% from the field.
A Kessler-Luka Doncic pairing would be lethal, as both are in their primes and have refined skill sets that would complement each other well. It’ll be interesting to see how the Kessler saga ends this summer.
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