Lakers Could Pursue Walker Kessler as Long-Term Big Man Option
The Los Angeles Lakers are in search of a stable, long-term solution at the center position. Luka Doncic thrives alongside rim-running bigs who can finish lobs, but he can also flourish with a tough, physical presence in the paint.
General Manager Rob Pelinka is expected to explore numerous possibilities to find a center capable of solidifying the Lakers’ interior. As reported by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin on ESPN Radio 700, Los Angeles is still “intrigued” by Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler.
“The only thing I’ve heard… is that Walker Kessler continues to be a name the Lakers are interested in,” McMenamin noted. “Last season, the Jazz’s demands were too high, and those trade talks fell through when the Lakers decided to redirect their assets into the Luka deal. That took the Kessler conversation off the table. If those talks start again, he’s still viewed as a potential solution at center. I’m not saying a trade is imminent or anything is heating up, but he’s still on the Lakers’ list.”
Kessler, age 23, put up 11.1 points and 12.2 rebounds per game last season. He connected on 66.3% of his field goals, but his free-throw percentage was low at just 52%. Though not known for high-flying plays, he can still be a force around the basket playing next to stars like Doncic and LeBron James.
Kessler Would Be a Bold Move for L.A.
Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes recently described Kessler as an “ambitious” trade candidate for the Lakers.
“Walker Kessler has placed in the 95th percentile or higher in block rate among centers each of his first three years,” Hughes wrote. “That elite rim protection could completely reshape a Lakers squad that ranked 21st in blocks per 100 possessions and 25th in opponent field goal percentage at the rim last season.”
Hughes added:
“Besides providing top-tier defense for a team lacking a true starting center, Kessler also adds value on offense with his 4.6 offensive rebounds per game and elite lob-finishing ability.”
With Austin Ainge now serving as the Utah Jazz’s new President of Basketball Operations, it’s unlikely he’ll part with one of the franchise’s top young talents. For Pelinka to land Kessler, he’ll need to get aggressive and creative; otherwise, the Lakers might need to consider other options.
Brook Lopez a More Realistic Short-Term Fit
Should the Lakers fail to acquire Kessler, they may seek a more temporary answer. Brook Lopez could be that player. The veteran big man, originally from Los Angeles, will hit the open market this summer as an unrestricted free agent.
Though Lopez isn’t as quick as he once was, he remains a dependable shooter and rim protector. Last season, he logged 13 points, 5 boards, 1.8 assists, and 1.9 blocks over 80 games. He also shot 37.3% from three on 4.7 attempts per contest and made 63.6% of his two-point tries. Lopez previously played with the Lakers during the 2017-18 campaign.
A reunion with the Lakers could be a logical fit for both Lopez and the team—especially as a short-term fix.
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