Among the many centers the Lakers are pursuing, they’ve been most aggressive, per reports, in trying to land fourth-year Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler.
In light of recent reports, Fadeaway World proposed a “realistic” Lakers trade that would bring in Kessler and John Collins.
Lakers would receive: Walker Kessler, John Collins
Jazz would receive: Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, 2031 first-round pick
“Along with his capable rebounding and shot-blocking ability, Kessler is also young and moderately athletic,” read the article. “His ability to roll to the rim while coming off screens would theoretically pair well with Lakers’ superstar Luka Doncic.”
“Kessler’s addition would almost instantly bolster the Lakers’ frontcourt. While also considering that the team could also acquire John Collins in this deal for Kessler, the Purple and Gold could go all in on this trade.”
Forced to Take Collins’ Contract
Only 23, Kessler is still on a rookie contract and, therefore, a prized target for the Lakers and other title-contending veteran teams. During the 2025 NBA trade deadline, several reports suggested that the Jazz were seeking “multiple first-round picks” even to consider trading their young center.
As such, the Lakers may be forced to take on the contract of Collins—a player they are reportedly not interested in—to make the deal work. Collins is owed $26.5 million next season, but is on an expiring deal.
“This trade also has some benefits for the Jazz. Dalton Knecht is a young but promising talent, showing the potential to develop into a lethal perimeter shooter. Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura is an increasingly reliable veteran presence. His averages of 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds would be valuable to the Jazz’s bench rotation. When also considering the addition of a first-round pick to the deal, Utah may very well find reason to fulfill this trade on draft night.”
Lakers ‘Desperate’ For Quality Big
After being drubbed by the Timberwolves in the 2025 NBA playoffs, the Lakers’ lack of size and rim protection became all too apparent to the rest of the league.
According to an anonymous former NBA executive, teams are expected to increase their asking price in talks surrounding centers with the Lakers.
“The worst spot you can put yourself in is trying to negotiate while everyone knows about your desperation,” the former executive told Anthony Irwin of Clutch Points.
“The whole league knows that not only do the Lakers need a starting center and probably a backup, but they need to bring someone in who Luka is going to want to play with. They basically have to hope someone else reaches their current level of desperation so that the talks can be held on even footing.”
The Lakers reportedly have a two-step plan to upgrade at center: trade for a starter and use their $5.7M taxpayer MLE on a backup.
“Sources close to the team reiterated that the internal plan is to trade for their starting center – sources say they’ve held conversations with other teams about Nic Claxton, Robert Williams, Walker Kessler and others – then, ideally, use the taxpayer midlevel on his backup – Brook Lopez and Clint Capela are the two names most often linked to the Lakers,” Irwin wrote on June 17.
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