New Report Emerges on Potential Lakers Trade Target

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt John | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 10:12 PM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers have been tied to Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler for quite some time. They most recently tried to acquire him during the 2025 NBA Trade Deadline. Per a March report from NBA insider Marc Stein , the Lakers and New York Knicks tried to discuss a trade with the Jazz, but Utah wasn't interested.

"League sources say that the Knicks were right there with the Lakers in their determination before the trade deadline to try to convince Utah to engage in meaningful Walker Kessler trade talks," Stein wrote. "No dice, though. The Jazz made it clear they wanted no part of entertaining Kessler pitches in-season."

Kessler remained with the Jazz for the rest of the season. However, this offseason, Utah might make some changes after hiring Austin Ainge as President of Basketball Operations. The Deseret News' Sarah Todd reported that Kessler is among the players the Jazz would put on the trade market this offseason.

"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."

League looking to Utah for trade possibilities
Story by @NBASarah https://t.co/GM9oXMVVJU
— Deseret News Sports (@desnewssports) June 7, 2025

Kessler could be the type of rim protector and vertical threat LA needs alongside LeBron James and Luka Doncic. He is also paid on a rookie contract, which is valuable given his production.

The Jazz also own the Lakers' 2027 first-round pick (top-four protected), so they might be hesitant to help LA in a deal. Then again, they were the third team that helped facilitate the Doncic trade.

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

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