Walker Kessler has been linked with a move to the Los Angeles Lakers. However, according to Sam Amick and John Hollinger of The Athletic, sources close to the Utah Jazz state that they would not be interested in the Lakers’ package, which would include D’Angelo Russell and multiple first-round picks. However, the report did note that other combinations and players could entice the Jazz to make a deal.
Walker Kessler has become an in-demand player in the NBA, with many teams vying for his services. The Jazz already had talks with the New York Knicks over Kessler, which fell apart and led to the Knicks pursuing and landing Karl-Anthony Towns from the Timberwolves instead.
Kessler would be a monumental get for the Lakers, as it would give them the size they need to be competitive in a stacked Western Conference, and it would allow Anthony Davis to switch to power forward, the position where he prefers playing. It depends on whether the Lakers feel okay about dismantling their roster to give the Jazz the pieces they want in any trade scenario.
Kessler, who is now entering his third season, is clearly a valuable piece for the Jazz to build around in the future. But with the franchise locking down Lauri Markkanen to a long-term deal, and acquiring John Collins, Kessler could be surplus to requirements, allowing them to cash in on a young prospect about to enter his third NBA season.
Last season, Kessler played decently, averaging 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.5 steals, and 2.4 blocks. And to start this season, he has taken a major leap, now averaging 10.6 rebounds, 8.0 points, 1.4 assists, 0.8 steals, and 2.6 blocks per game. While these numbers may seem average, one must remember that Kessler is the third option on the Jazz behind Lauri Markkanen and Collin Sexton.
How Would Kessler Improve The Lakers?
Walker Kessler, as mentioned before, would provide the Lakers with the size that they desperately need right now. Outside of Anthony Davis, the Lakers do not have any major impact players at the center position right now. And even Davis, while great at playing center, much prefers playing power forward.
The addition of a traditional center in Kessler gives Davis the center option he needs to give him more freedom on the court as a forward. Additionally, it gives LeBron James and Austin Reaves yet another dangerous pick-and-roll partner to help exploit opposing defenses.
And Kessler’s potential arrival gives JJ Redick’s squad some valuable rim protection, as Anthony Davis, and sometimes even LeBron James, have had to do most of the interior defending for the team as the Lakers lack size.
Walker Kessler would be a fantastic acquisition for the Lakers. But as things stand, they might not have the resources to pull off a move for him. Furthermore, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka has shown since the Russell Westbrook trade that he is not going to make any move that might jeopardize the future of the franchise, meaning, he won’t part ways with any valuable assets.
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