By Sunday 
A Potential Game-Changer in Purple and Gold
The Los Angeles Lakers are cooking up something that might finally plug a glaring hole in their roster. With the dust barely settled from a disappointing playoff exit, Rob Pelinka and the front office are staying active—and hungry.
Their target? Walker Kessler, the 23-year-old big man from the Utah Jazz who quietly became a double-double machine last season. Averaging 11.1 points, 12.2 boards, and nearly five (!) offensive rebounds a game, Kessler isn’t just promising—he’s productive.
And in a league where bigs with touch, timing, and tenacity don’t grow on trees, that makes him a gem.
“They Haven’t Said Yes… Yet”
According to Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune, the Lakers haven’t exactly been subtle. On the Locked on Jazz podcast, Larsen confirmed that “an offer has been presented” and L.A. has shown “significant interest” dating back to the trade deadline.
That offer reportedly includes multiple draft picks. But as of now? Utah’s not biting.
Still, the Lakers aren’t giving up. The message is clear: they want Kessler—badly. And honestly, can you blame them?
Why Kessler Makes Perfect Sense
Let’s be real—LeBron and Luka need an anchor down low. Someone who can protect the rim, set bruising screens, clean the glass, and finish lobs with authority.
Last season’s center experiment featuring Jaxson Hayes and Alex Len left a lot to be desired (okay, it was rough). Kessler, with his 130 offensive rating and strong instincts, would immediately upgrade the Lakers’ interior defense and pick-and-roll game.
Pair that with Austin Reaves’ spacing, Doncic’s playmaking, and LeBron’s everything, and suddenly the Lakers’ frontcourt starts looking scary.
So… What’s the Hold-Up?
Kessler is still on a team-friendly deal and just entering his prime. Utah has no pressing need to move him. If L.A. really wants this to happen, they may have to sweeten the pot with a young talent like Dalton Knecht.
That’s where things get tricky. Do the Lakers mortgage the future (again) for a shot at immediate impact? Or stay patient with internal development?
The Clock Is Ticking
The 2025 NBA Draft is here, free agency looms, and the pressure to deliver a title before LeBron’s window closes is real. A move for Kessler might not just be bold—it might be necessary.
Whether it happens or not, one thing’s certain: the Lakers are in go mode.