Los Angeles Lakers Insider Drops Truth Bomb on the Team's Pursuit of Utah Jazz's $13 Million Youngster 7 Feb 10, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) defends a shot by Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) in the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Los Angeles Lakers Insider Drops Truth Bomb on the Team’s Pursuit of Utah Jazz’s $13 Million Youngster

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 10:29 AM ET

Walker Kessler has been floated as a trade target for the Los Angeles Lakers because of the team’s lack of center depth following the rescinded Mark Williams trade last February.

While trading for Kessler seems ideal because of his team-friendly salary and overall upside, Los Angeles Lakers insider Jovan Buha poured cold water on the scenario because of the Utah Jazz’s steep asking price.

“Going back to last season, I reported that the Lakers had had interest in Walker previously, and they had inquired about him to the Jazz, and the feedback they got was the starting price, not the final price,” Buha explained on his podcast. “The starting price was the equivalent of two+ first-round picks.”

Jan 1, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) secures the ball after a rebound during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

“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,” he added. “I just think that price is very high, and I don’t know if the Lakers can get to it.”

Los Angeles Lakers linked with a sensational reunion with former point guard

In the same podcast episode, Jovan Buha shared that the Los Angeles Lakers could consider reuniting with Lonzo Ball. The Chicago Bulls guard is under contract for $10 million in 2025–26, with a $10 million team option for 2026–27.

Chicago Bulls: Lonzo Ball Shares Heartwarming Message to Teammates Following His NBA Comeback After 1,006 Days 2 Jan 25, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball (2) watches game action against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

“I do, I think they would be,” Buha stated. “It’s just a matter of what his price is, and you have to factor in the health and the history there. You can’t even pencil him in for 60 games.”

“So, whatever you’re giving up for him, there has to be some level of a discount, or you’re factoring in, like, this dude might just play 40, 50 games. He’s a guy you have to load manage. Like, how can we load manage him to get to mid-April in one piece?” he added.