Lakers Expected to Pursue Double-Double Center in Bold Offseason Move.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ primary objective this offseason is to secure a starting-caliber center after their failed attempt to acquire Mark Williams.
In a recent article, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz suggested a trade that could help the Lakers land a much-needed starting center to pair with Luka Dončić.
Utah Jazz Receive: Dalton Knecht, 2031 first-round pick (unprotected)
“Kessler, 23, is a dominant force in the paint, averaging a double-double (11.5 points, 12.5 rebounds) while blocking 2.3 shots per game and leading the NBA in field goal percentage (72.7 percent),” Swartz stated. “Although Utah may not be actively shopping Kessler, a future unprotected first-round pick and a solid prospect in Knecht (14.3 points, 39.3 percent from three as a starter) could spark a discussion.”
Kessler was a top target for the Lakers when they had Anthony Davis, who sought a center to move back to his preferred power forward position. The Lakers’ approach shifted when they swapped Davis for Dončić, who thrives with a lob threat.
While Kessler isn’t as agile as Dereck Lively II or Daniel Gafford, the Jazz center has become one of the league’s top rim protectors, fitting perfectly with the Lakers’ defensive system.
However, it seems unlikely that the Jazz would settle for just a first-round pick and a young player in exchange for Kessler.
Leading up to the trade deadline, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Jazz consistently rejected offers from the Lakers due to their inability to meet the steep asking price for their star center.
Utah’s High Asking Price
In December, Michael Scotto of Hoopshype revealed that the Jazz’s asking price for Kessler was at least two first-round picks.
“Teams inquiring about Kessler’s availability have been told that it will take at least two first-round picks to secure him from the Jazz, a high asking price,” Scotto noted at the time.
The price for Kessler this summer may differ from what it was previously, given his development into a more accomplished player with no injury history, unlike Williams, who the Lakers initially thought was worth Knecht, a pick swap, and their 2031 first-round pick.
Additionally, the Jazz might not value the Lakers’ 2031 pick as highly anymore, especially if Dončić signs an extension this summer to stay in Los Angeles.
Rich Paul Uncertain on LeBron James’ Return Timetable
Although the Lakers’ primary concern remains the center position, their biggest challenge heading into the season’s final stretch is LeBron James’ health.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on March 9 that James is expected to miss at least one to two weeks due to a groin strain.
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul was uncertain when his client would return from the injury.
“He knows his body better than anyone, so we have to follow his lead,” Paul said on “The Pat McAfee Show” on March 11. “I won’t set a timetable. I’ll let LeBron decide what’s best. He has a great trainer and medical staff with the Lakers, and Mike Nancias (Lakers athletic trainer) leads that for him, so I’ll just stay in step with them.”