Ever since the 2025 NBA trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers have kept their eyes on Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler—a 7-footer whose impact on the floor outweighs his modest draft pedigree. Though their previous attempts to acquire him were rebuffed, the Lakers may be preparing for another run this offseason as they aggressively search for a long-term frontcourt anchor. But even if the interest remains high, pulling off a deal might be more complicated now than it was in February.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha of The Athletic recently shed light on the difficulties of pursuing Kessler, pointing specifically to Utah’s firm stance on valuation.
“The issue with Walker Kessler—and with Utah in general—is their asking prices tend to be higher,” Buha noted. “Going back to last season, the Lakers had interest and inquired. The feedback they got was that the starting price was the equivalent of two-plus first-round picks.”
That steep asking price underscores how the Jazz view Kessler—not just as a trade asset, but as a foundational piece of their long-term rebuild. Coming off a season in which he averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks while shooting over 66% from the field, Kessler has quietly emerged as one of the NBA’s most reliable defensive anchors. For Utah, still in the midst of recalibrating under Danny Ainge’s stewardship, Kessler remains central to their future vision.
That doesn’t mean he’s untouchable. According to Deseret News’ Sarah Todd, league chatter suggests Utah is open to fielding offers—particularly for players on expiring deals and draft assets in the 2025 class. Surprisingly, names like John Collins, Collin Sexton, and Jordan Clarkson aren’t the only ones expected in discussions. Kessler and even Lauri Markkanen may be in play, though at a premium.
A Los Angeles Lakers Luka Tax on the Market
The Lakers’ front office, led by GM Rob Pelinka, is not only navigating Utah’s rigid valuation—but also a newer phenomenon that’s beginning to shape league negotiations: the so-called Luka Tax.
Since acquiring superstar Luka Dončić, rival executives reportedly see any trade with the Lakers as an opportunity to extract greater value, knowing that the presence of a generational talent like Luka raises the stakes—and the ceiling—for LA. Much like the “Lakers Tax” of years past, the Luka Tax adds another layer of difficulty to deal-making. Opposing GMs know full well that a high-motor rim-runner like Kessler could thrive alongside Luka’s precision passing and half-court gravity. That leverage isn’t lost on Utah’s front office.
In that context, the asking price of two first-rounders becomes more understandable—and even expected.
What Might a Deal Look Like?
The Lakers, short on draft capital but long on intriguing young talent, have explored a framework centered around Rui Hachimura, rookie guard Dalton Knecht, and a future first-round pick, possibly in 2031.
For the Jazz, Hachimura provides plug-and-play value with a $18.2M expiring contract, averaging 13.1 points and 5.0 rebounds last season. Knecht, though unproven, has shown promise as a sharpshooter (37.6% from three) and could grow into a valuable perimeter scorer alongside Utah’s backcourt of the future.
The Lakers, meanwhile, would finally pair Luka with a big man tailor-made for his style—mobile, efficient, and defensively elite. Kessler’s ability to protect the rim, clean the glass, and finish in transition would relieve pressure from Luka on both ends. In theory, Kessler’s skill set fills one of the most glaring holes exposed during the Lakers’ disappointing postseason exit.
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The Ainge Equation
Of course, any deal still must go through Danny Ainge, whose reputation for extracting maximum value in trades is well-earned. His approach complicates matters further for the Lakers, who must strike a delicate balance between improving now and preserving enough flexibility to contend throughout the Dončić era.
Kessler becomes extension-eligible this summer, meaning Utah must decide whether to commit financially or pivot and sell high. That timing could open a slim window for LA to act—but only if they’re willing to meet Utah’s asking price, plus account for the Luka premium baked into negotiations.
Is It Worth It for the Lakers?
With limited cap space and few available centers on the free-agent market, LA’s best route to roster improvement may indeed run through the trade market. Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe have also been linked to the Lakers, but none offer the combination of age, size, and upside that Kessler does.
If LA believes he’s the long-term answer next to Luka, then overpaying now might be the cost of doing business. And if this deal doesn’t materialize? Expect the Lakers to keep hunting—quietly aware that every move they make is now evaluated through the lens of how it elevates Dončić.
In the post-LeBron era, the Lakers aren’t just rebuilding—they’re reshaping their identity. And whether that includes Kessler or not, one thing is clear: the price for building around Luka Dončić may be higher than anyone expected.