NBA Insider Reveals New Intel on Lakers' Walker Kessler Trade

The buzz linking the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler only seems to continue, as it seems the two sides were linked in a few lingering rumors during the week of the draft.

According to ESPN insider Dave McMenamin, the Lakers were connected to talks for Kessler this past week, along with a potential move for Miami Heat wing Andrew Wiggins, though both attempts fell through.

"But rumors swirled this week, linking L.A. to trade talks with the Utah Jazz for center Walker Kessler and the Miami Heat for wing Andrew Wiggins, and representatives for both Reaves and Vincent were not contacted about any of the teams involved, sources told ESPN, which is customary when a trade nears the finish line," said McMenamin

In the case of any potential deal for Kessler, it seems the Jazz are simply asking the Lakers for too high a price they're willing to come to, as McMenamin continued to note that Utah's ask during February's trade deadline included multiple first-rounders, something Los Angeles saw as too steep.

"Kessler was one of the centers L.A. inquired about last season before the Williams trade, sources told ESPN, but Utah's asking price -- multiple first-round picks -- was too steep," McMenamin continued. "Beyond his age fitting with Doncic's timeline, Kessler is owed only $4.9 million next season and would have a relatively small cap hold in the summer of 2026, allowing L.A. to pursue other free agents along with holding his Bird rights to be able to extend him.