Lakers' Potential Trade Target Dealt Season-Ending Blow on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Nov 5, 2025 2:45 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2025–26 NBA season determined to return to championship contention after reshaping their roster over the summer. The franchise added Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart in free agency and traded for Jake LaRavia to strengthen its defense and overall depth.

The moves have paid off early, with the Lakers starting the campaign 6-2 and showing improved balance on both ends of the court.

Among the players Los Angeles was also linked to in offseason discussions was Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, viewed as a potential long-term frontcourt fit, per Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribute. However, those talks never materialized into a deal.

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24).Rob Gray-Imagn Images

On Wednesday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Kessler will undergo season-ending left shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum. The 24-year-old center had been one of Utah’s few bright spots early in the season, averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks through five games while shooting 70.3% from the field.

The injury occurred when Kessler absorbed contact in the paint during Utah’s loss to the Denver Nuggets, immediately clutching his shoulder before being ruled out indefinitely.

Utah's Walker Kessler is undergoing season-ending left shoulder surgery for a torn labrum, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 5, 2025

The setback leaves the Jazz without their primary rim protector for the remainder of the season, forcing them to rely on depth pieces in his absence. For the Lakers, Kessler’s injury effectively ends any chance of pursuing him this season. While Los Angeles has shown interest in adding another big man, any potential pursuit of Kessler will now have to wait until at least next summer.

Kessler’s absence means the Jazz lose a key defensive anchor while the Lakers continue their strong early form with a healthy and balanced rotation. Utah is 3-4 to start the season, and will now attempt to stay competitive without their top big man.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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