The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly been eyeing Walker Kessler for quite some time now, but they have yet to reach a deal with the Utah Jazz. The Lakers haven’t matched the asking price for Kessler, and Jazz insider Ben Anderson believes it would probably take Dalton Knecht and two first-round picks to get the big man.
“With no urgency to unload salaries, and a lack of intriguing veterans on the Lakers roster, any Kessler trade involving multiple players would still likely have to revolve around Knecht, and the 2029 and 2031 first-round picks. Ultimately, the Lakers don’t appear to have the right combination of pieces to include in a Kessler trade without overspending.”
That would be a lot to give up for Kessler. A talented young player like Knecht and multiple first-round picks is the kind of haul you give up for a proven star in the NBA. As good as Kessler is, he isn’t one just yet.
Kessler is averaging 11.3 points, 11.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.5 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game for the Jazz in 2024-25. The 23-year-old has bounced back from a disappointing sophomore season in some style and the Jazz would love to have him be part of their future.
They would only consider parting with Kessler if they get an offer that blows their mind, like the one Anderson suggested. Even that could get rejected, though. It has been reported that Jazz’s CEO of basketball operations and alternate governor Danny Ainge doesn’t want to help the Lakers improve as they control LA’s 2027 first-round pick.
The chances of that being a great pick for the Jazz would certainly reduce if they give Kessler to the Lakers. If they were to trade him, they’d be better off sending him elsewhere and there’s no lack of interest.
Anderson reports that 20 NBA teams have called the Jazz to check if Kessler is available. You’d reckon that if they get comparable offers from the Lakers and another team, they would pick the other offer.
So, the Lakers might just be better off looking elsewhere. Even if let’s say the Jazz supposedly propose the deal that Anderson mentioned, they probably shouldn’t go for it. Giving up both picks and Knecht would leave the Lakers with no real way to further improve their roster. Are they a Kessler away from winning the title? Probably not.
If the Lakers are to give up that haul of assets, it should be for a player who transforms them into a serious title contender. Kessler would undoubtedly make them better, especially defensively, but would you pick them to beat the Boston Celtics or the Oklahoma City Thunder in the playoffs with him? Probably not.
As for Knecht, he has seen his stock go down after a hot start to his rookie season. The 23-year-old is averaging just 9.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game in 2024-25 while shooting 35.1% from beyond the arc.
Knecht’s struggles have led to Lakers fans becoming willing to trade him for Kessler. Some were also willing to give up draft capital, which lets you know just how far he has fallen in their eyes.
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