Lakers Receive Unfortunate News After NBA Trade Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt John | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 4:27 PM ET

The Utah Jazz are one of the worst teams in the NBA, so pretty much every player on their roster can be had for the right price. Among those players is Walker Kessler, whom the Los Angeles Lakers have had interest in as recently as the NBA Trade Deadline.

Marc Stein reported that the Lakers tried to get him at the deadline, but the Jazz declined. The Deseret News' Sarah Todd reported lst Saturday that the Jazz will put Kessler in trade conversations.

"Numerous league sources have indicated that they believe the Jazz are going to be active over the next several weeks," Todd wrote. "...league sources have said that they expect for conversations to include Walker Kessler (who is extension eligible) and Lauri Markkanen."

However, just because Kessler is available doesn't mean the Lakers will get him. The Athletic's Jovan Buha reported on "Buha's Block" his skepticism that the Lakers will meet the Jazz's price for Kessler.

“I just don’t know if the Lakers have the requisite assets to get Walker Kessler, but I think he’s likely available for the right price,” Buha said. “I just think that price is very high, and I don’t know if the Lakers can get to it.”

Kessler had an excellent third season with the Jazz, averaging 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks while shooting 66.3% from the field. He'd be an excellent fit with the Lakers, but just because Kessler is in trade talks doesn't mean they will trade him the first chance they get.

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

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