The Utah Jazz are once again at the center of trade speculation, with rumors linking them to the Los Angeles Lakers’ interest in acquiring Walker Kessler. Known for his defensive skills, Kessler could provide the Lakers with a reliable presence at the center position. According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, the Lakers have been exploring potential trade options, with Kessler being one of the discussed targets.
We need more time to see which players become available,” Buha stated. “Walker Kessler is a name that the Lakers have shown interest in. He’d make sense for either a two-big lineup or more realistically as a backup.”
Kessler has made a name for himself as an exceptional shot-blocker since joining the NBA, averaging 8.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks, along with a top-three finish in the Rookie of the Year voting. This season, he’s averaging three blocks per game in just 25 minutes. Kessler was also linked to the New York Knicks, but the Jazz turned down that trade.
Currently, Anthony Davis is excelling as the Lakers’ starting center, putting up impressive numbers—34 points, 11 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.3 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game. His dominance in scoring, defense, and rim protection has been invaluable. If the Lakers were to add Kessler, it could allow for a two-big lineup; however, Davis’s effectiveness could impact that decision.
How would Kessler fit in if the Lakers acquired him? Lakers could potentially pursue a trade for Walker Kessler.
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The Lakers’ 2020 championship team succeeded with a two-big lineup featuring Davis and JaVale McGee, providing both offensive versatility and defensive strength. Kessler’s defensive game is superior to his offensive skills, but a similar setup could make it challenging for opponents to score in the paint. Teams respect Davis’s shot-blocking ability, and Kessler could add another level of interior defense.
Alternatively, Kessler could act as a defensive anchor for the Lakers’ second unit. Currently, they rely on Jaxson Hayes and Christian Koloko as backup centers, but Kessler’s experience as a shot-blocker and rim protector would bring added security. Despite having the fourth-best offense, the Lakers currently allow the 18th most points in the league.
With the Lakers, Kessler could play a similar role as he does with the Jazz. Likely coming off the bench, he could still see considerable minutes and fulfill a critical defensive role. As a team focused on contending, the Lakers continuously seek win-now players. Given that the Jazz turned down two first-round picks for Kessler from the Knicks, they may demand a significant return from the Lakers if they consider moving him.