Why the Lakers should wait on a trade attempt for Walker Kessler

As the new NBA season unfolds, the Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to trade speculations surrounding Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. 

This isn't the first time Kessler’s name has appeared in rumors about a potential move to the Purple and Gold. Throughout last year’s campaign, it was believed that the Lakers were in search for a center to help relieve some of the defensive pressure on Anthony Davis. 

Kessler, 23, is an attractive option due to his age, height and shot-blocking ability. Acquiring Kessler would certainly benefit the Lakers, but a player of his caliber and potential will not come cheaply, likely costing the Lakers a first-round pick and a player in return.

As the Lakers continue to assess their current squad's potential, they may want to hold off on any moves toward Kessler until they further evaluate newly signed center Christian Koloko. Koloko was recently cleared to return to play after missing all of last season due to career-threatening blood clot issues. Examining how Koloko performs would allow the Lakers to save valuable assets, such as personnel and draft capital. 

While Kessler is a more developed player right now, he and Koloko share similar characteristics. 

Both stand at 7-foot-1 and play a brand of basketball that revolves around rim protection. The two posted similar college averages for the 2021-22 season. Koloko averaged more points per game average and shot a higher percentage from both the field and the free throw line, while Kessler grabbed more boards per contest and led the nation in blocks with 4.6 blocks per game, compared to Koloko’s 2.8. 

The gap between the two may be smaller than some realize, and Koloko has the potential to develop into a player who can have an impact that resembles Kessler’s. 

Age shouldn’t be an issue with Koloko, who is one year older than Kessler at 24. There is certainly room for the Lakers to give him a chance to learn and prove that he can be a contributor to the team. 

Koloko is set to begin his return to basketball with the Lakers' G League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers. If they opt to remain patient, taking a swing at Koloko's potential could help the team continue to mold its identity without having to adjust to a newly acquired player.