Despite adding former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton this offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers remain interested in Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. The 24-year-old big man, who will be a restricted free agent next summer, has long been on the Lakers’ radar as a potential cornerstone for their frontcourt alongside Luka Dončić and LeBron James.
According to Lakers Daily’s Ashish Mathur, Los Angeles plans to explore trade opportunities for Kessler once again during the 2025-26 season.
“A league source told Lakers Daily that the Lakers will attempt to trade for Kessler again during the 2025-26 season. LAL tried to trade for Kessler the past two seasons,” Mathur reported.
Kessler’s Contract Situation
GettyRui Hachimura of the Los Angeles Lakers drives past Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz.
Walker Kessler and the Jazz did not reach an extension this offseason, setting the stage for his restricted free agency next year, The Athletic’s Tony Jones reported. However, Utah views Kessler as a franchise cornerstone and plans to retain the ability to exceed the salary cap to keep him using his Bird rights.
“By not signing Kessler now, he would have a cap hold of $14.9 million next summer, which would give the Jazz enough space to keep Kessler’s hold and still do work in free agency. Then, the Jazz and Kessler theoretically can come to an agreement,” Jones wrote.
Lakers’ Financial Flexibility
The Lakers will be one of a handful of teams with major cap room next offseason. James’ $52.6 million player option will expire, and additional expiring contracts, including Austin Reaves’ $14.9 million option, could free up as much as $100 million. This gives the Lakers the ability to make a substantial offer to Kessler or potentially structure a sign-and-trade if Utah is unwilling to lose him without compensation.
Ayton also has an $8.1 million player option for next season. If he excels in Los Angeles, he could command a significantly larger market deal, adding another layer to the Lakers’ roster decisions next summer.
The team’s offseason moves were built around Dončić, who committed to a three-year, $165 million extension this summer. With that foundation in place, the Lakers could theoretically offer Kessler an above-the-market deal to join a contending roster in Los Angeles and leave the rebuilding Jazz.
Kessler’s Production and Appeal
Kessler averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game last season while shooting 66% from the field in 30 minutes across 58 games. His defensive presence and rebounding ability make him an attractive option for the Lakers, who are aiming to solidify their frontcourt alongside Dončić.
The Lakers have attempted to acquire Kessler in the past but have consistently fallen short of Utah’s steep asking price. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported in January that the Lakers were unable to meet the Jazz’s requirements.
“They’ve tried to get Walker Kessler many times; they have not been able to meet that steep price,” Charania said on NBA Countdown.
Michael Scotto of Hoopshype noted at the time that Utah’s asking price could include at least two first-round picks, making the acquisition a significant investment for Los Angeles. Next summer, the Lakers will have access to an additional first-round selection, in addition to their 2031 or 2032 pick, to structure a potential trade.
Pelinka on Future Moves
“I would just say it again, if a transaction comes to us that leads to sustaining Lakers’ excellence and puts us in a position to increase our odds of winning a championship, we would put future draft capital into making that move,” Lakers president Rob Pelinka told reporters Thursday following the announcement of JJ Redick’s contract extension as head coach.
As the Lakers look to maximize their championship window with James and Dončić, Kessler remains a prime target to bolster their roster, even with Ayton already in place. His potential impact on defense, rebounding, and shot-blocking could make him a centerpiece of Los Angeles’ future frontcourt plans, while the possibility of Ayton commanding a market deal next summer adds urgency to the Lakers’ pursuit.
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