Lakers, Jazz Came Close to Big Summer Trade, But a Key Issue Now Makes a Deal Unlikely
The NBA offseason is always filled with trade rumors, and this past summer was no exception. One deal that nearly came to fruition involved the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz, with the Lakers eyeing a trade for Walker Kessler, the Jazz’s standout center. However, despite the trade talks reaching an advanced stage, the deal ultimately fell through—and according to NBA insiders, a second attempt is becoming increasingly unlikely. Here’s why the Lakers’ pursuit of Kessler is now on shaky ground, and why the Jazz aren’t eager to make this trade happen.
The Lakers’ Interest in Walker Kessler
Since the beginning of the 2023-24 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers have been actively searching for a solid center to pair with Anthony Davis in the frontcourt. With the Lakers already boasting a talented roster of veterans like LeBron James and Davis, adding another strong presence in the paint seemed like the next logical move to boost their championship aspirations.
Walker Kessler would have been the perfect addition. A rising star in the league, Kessler has quickly made a name for himself as one of the best rim protectors in the game. Averaging 2.8 blocks per game in less than 30 minutes on the court, Kessler’s shot-blocking ability would have paired exceptionally well with Davis’s own defensive prowess. Together, the two could have formed one of the most formidable defensive frontcourts in the league, and their combined shot-blocking would have given the Lakers a massive boost in the postseason.
The Utah Jazz’s Stance on Trading Kessler
While the Lakers were eager to acquire Kessler, the Utah Jazz were hesitant to part with their young center. According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, one of the key reasons the trade talks fell through was due to the Jazz’s concern that trading Kessler to the Lakers would strengthen their frontcourt for not just the immediate future, but for years to come.
The Jazz are currently in a rebuilding phase, with a young and promising roster built around the likes of Laure Markkanen and Cody Williams. Will Hardy, the young head coach of the Jazz, is focused on developing these players into future stars. As for Kessler, he’s a core piece of that future, given his potential as a two-way center. The Jazz don’t want to sacrifice that potential for immediate gain, especially if it helps a team like the Lakers become even stronger.
A major sticking point for the Jazz is that Utah holds the Lakers’ 2027 first-round pick, which is top-four protected. Danny Ainge, Utah’s President of Basketball Operations, has been clear about his reluctance to trade Kessler to the Lakers. His concern is that adding Kessler to the Lakers’ already talented roster could prevent the team from fully “bottoming out” in the coming years—especially after LeBron James retires and Anthony Davis ages. The Jazz don’t want to see their future draft pick fall lower in the lottery because the Lakers remain competitive.
Lakers’ Trade Talks and Other Targets
During the summer, the Lakers were reportedly involved in trade talks not only for Kessler but also for other centers like Nick Richards, Robert Williams, and Day’Ron Sharpe. The Lakers also had discussions surrounding Jonas Valančiūnas, the center for the New Orleans Pelicans. However, those talks were complicated by the Pelicans’ high asking price, with New Orleans reportedly seeking a surplus of draft picks in return for the veteran big man.
Although the Lakers remain in the market for a center, it’s unclear whether other teams will be willing to entertain offers for their big men. For the Jazz, trading Kessler would be an even more significant decision, as he’s still under contract for several years and continues to develop into a potential star. Unless the Lakers or another team offers something too valuable to pass up, the Jazz are likely to hold onto Kessler for the time being.
A Likely End to Kessler-Lakers Trade Talks
Ultimately, the chances of a Walker Kessler trade to the Lakers are now extremely slim. With the Jazz firmly in rebuild mode and Kessler being an essential part of their future, it’s clear that Utah is not eager to make this trade. The potential impact of Kessler joining the Lakers—especially in a defense-first role alongside Davis—makes the deal even less appealing for the Jazz. While the Lakers’ frontcourt could have greatly benefited from Kessler’s presence, the long-term ramifications of such a move have discouraged the Jazz from pulling the trigger.
For Danny Ainge and the Jazz, the trade simply doesn’t make sense. Not only would it strengthen a key Western Conference rival, but it would also limit the Jazz’s chances of developing a top-tier prospect at a time when they are focused on rebuilding. Walker Kessler is only 22 years old, and as he continues to improve his offensive game, he has the potential to become one of the best all-around centers in the NBA.
Looking Ahead: The Future for Kessler and the Jazz
For now, Walker Kessler is staying put in Utah. The Jazz will continue to develop him into a premier two-way center, improving his offensive skills while maintaining his status as one of the league’s top rim protectors. While the Lakers may still be on the lookout for a center, any hope of acquiring Kessler appears to be a pipe dream for the time being.
As for the Lakers, they may need to turn their attention elsewhere, possibly seeking other trade opportunities that don’t involve giving up valuable assets. With the NBA trade deadline approaching, they’ll need to weigh their options carefully and decide if another move is necessary to bolster their frontcourt.
