As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for another pivotal offseason, one thing has become clear: the team needs a true center. Their shortcomings in the paint were exposed during the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, and it’s prompted the front office to reassess its priorities heading into the summer.
Amid the swirling rumors and roster possibilities, one name continues to surface: Walker Kessler. The 7-footer from the Utah Jazz has long intrigued the Lakers, and according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, that interest hasn’t waned.
Los Angeles Lakers Still Showing Interest In Walker Kessler
“Walker Kessler remains a name that the Lakers are intrigued by,” McMenamin said in a recent radio appearance on ESPN 700. “That remains a player that the Lakers feel could fill the void they have at center.”
Los Angeles has tried to pry Kessler away from Utah before, but the Jazz have consistently rebuffed those attempts. However, with Kessler now eligible for a contract extension and his long-term future in Utah uncertain, they are expected to revisit talks this summer.
Kessler checks nearly every box the Lakers are looking for in a big man to pair with their new-look roster. Since acquiring Luka Dončić, Los Angeles has placed a premium on rim protection, rebounding, and interior athleticism—traits that Kessler offers in abundance. Though he doesn’t stretch the floor, he’s a proven lob threat, shot-blocker, and a high-efficiency finisher around the rim. Last season, he averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, while anchoring Utah’s defense with quiet consistency.
Despite his on-court value, acquiring Kessler is far from a simple task.
The Jazz still hold Kessler in high regard, and their asking price remains steep. According to reports, a package centered around Dalton Knecht and a single first-round pick—likely the most attractive assets the Lakers currently possess—wouldn’t be enough to entice Utah. Complicating matters further is the fact that Los Angeles already leveraged significant draft capital to land Dončić, limiting their ability to compete with deeper offers that could emerge from elsewhere in the league.
There’s also the lingering tension between the two franchises. After being caught off guard by the Lakers’ trade for Dončić—which reportedly involved shifting assets that had once been discussed in a potential Kessler deal—Utah’s front office, led by Danny Ainge, may be hesitant to help the Lakers again.
Even so, Kessler remains the ideal fit for what they want to build. The team could potentially sweeten its offer by removing the top-four protections from the 2027 first-round pick they owe Utah—a gesture that might at least get the Jazz back to the negotiating table.
For now, a deal remains unlikely. The Lakers don’t have the leverage or the trade package to push one through. But NBA offseasons are defined by rapid change and unexpected movement. If the Jazz decide not to extend Kessler—or if they pivot into a new direction—Los Angeles will be ready. Whether or not the door opens again, they have made one thing clear: if Kessler becomes available, they want to be first in line.