Report: Lakers Trying To Trade For Walker Kessler

According to NBA insider Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune, the Los Angeles Lakers are trying to trade for Walker Kessler.

The Lakers need a center after trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in the blockbuster Luka Doncic trade. 

Los Angeles lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of this year’s playoffs in five games. The team’s lack of size prevented them from competing with Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle and Naz Reid. 

Kessler will make $4.9 million next season. The big man can sign a rookie-scale extension this offseason.

Kessler played in 58 games for Utah this season. He averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.6 steals and 2.4 blocks while shooting 66.3% from the floor and 52.0% from the foul line. 

The Jazz (17-65) had the worst record in the Western Conference this season. They have the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. 

According to NBA reporter Sarah Todd of the Deseret News, the Jazz are willing to hear trade offers for Kessler and Lauri Markkanen.

“Numerous league sources have indicated that they believe the Jazz are going to be active over the next several weeks. Many expect that the Jazz are willing to hear offers that would include draft picks in the 2025 draft as well as players on the Jazz’s current roster,” Todd wrote.

“Obvious candidates for trade would be John Collins, Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson, who are all on expiring deals as of the 2025-26 season, but league sources have said that they expect for conversations to include Walker Kessler (who is extension eligible) and Lauri Markkanen.”