Moving forward, it won’t be uncommon for the Los Angeles Lakers to be linked to intriguing free agents on several occasions.
The Los Angeles Lakers continue searching for frontcourt help this offseason, and one name that keeps resurfacing is the Utah Jazz’s 7-foot-2 rim-protecting big man. The former first-round pick has once again been linked to Los Angeles as the franchise looks to strengthen its interior defense and add more size around its superstar core.
Back on May 12, Bleacher Report NBA writer Zach Buckley identified the Auburn product as one of the Lakers’ top potential trade targets. The fit made sense then, and it still does now. Los Angeles struggled at times protecting the paint and controlling the glass during stretches of the season, and adding an athletic shot-blocker with length could address a major weakness.
Now, just days later on May 22, the big man’s name was once again tied to the Lakers in offseason speculation, further fueling the idea that the organization has real interest in pursuing a deal. At $13.3 million, the center carries a manageable contract for a player capable of anchoring a defense, finishing around the rim, and providing valuable depth in the frontcourt rotation.
The former Auburn Tigers men’s basketball standout has developed into one of the league’s more reliable rim protectors when healthy. His combination of size, mobility, and shot-blocking instincts would give Los Angeles a different dimension defensively, particularly against elite Western Conference frontcourts.
For the Lakers, the appeal is obvious. Pairing a true interior presence with their existing stars could help ease defensive pressure while also improving rebounding and second-chance opportunities. Whether the Jazz are ultimately willing to move the talented big man remains to be seen, but the continued rumors suggest Los Angeles is keeping a close eye on the situation as the offseason approaches.
“The deal I’d offer (Walker Kessler): Four years, $125 million,” Marks wrote Friday. “The contract starts at $28 million and puts Kessler in the top 10 highest-paid centers next season. The first-year salary would give Utah the flexibility to use all of its $15 million non-tax midlevel exception. Best fits: Utah (Jazz), Atlanta (Hawks), Lakers.”
Kessler, who’s set to become a restricted free agent, could land with the Lakers via a sign-and-trade. The Lakers should be prepared for Utah to put up a fight to retain Kessler, though, considering he’s a monumental part of the Jazz’s core and is on an upward trajectory.
Kessler’s 2025-26 season unfortunately ended in October due to a shoulder injury. Still, the 24-year-old’s near-automatic finishing around the rim and stout rim protection were apparent in the five games he appeared in.
Walker Kessler contributed 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting an impressive 70.3% from the field this season for the Utah Jazz. The former All-Rookie center continued to establish himself as one of the league’s premier young rim protectors, combining elite efficiency with strong defensive instincts and rebounding production.
Given the Los Angeles Lakers’ ongoing need for size, interior defense, and frontcourt depth, Kessler appears to be an ideal fit. His ability to alter shots, clean the glass, and finish efficiently around the basket could provide Los Angeles with the type of defensive anchor they have lacked consistently in recent seasons.
At just 24 years old, Kessler also fits the timeline of a franchise looking to remain competitive now while preparing for the future. His affordable $13.3 million contract further increases his appeal, especially for a Lakers team attempting to maximize roster flexibility under the NBA’s financial restrictions.
Needless to say, Los Angeles should continue monitoring the situation closely throughout the offseason and be ready to pursue a move if the right opportunity presents itself.
