The Los Angeles Lakers could take a major step toward solving one of their biggest roster need when NBA free agency officially begins Tuesday night.
The team is reportedly expected to meet with Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, one of the top young defensive big men available this offseason.
Lakers Expected to Sit Down With Walker Kessler at Start of Free Agency
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, restricted free agent Walker Kessler has meetings scheduled with three teams on Tuesday after 6 p.m. ET at the Los Angeles offices of his CAA representatives.
Fischer added that the Lakers are widely believed to be one of those teams because of their strong interest in the 24-year-old center.
“Utah restricted free agent center Walker Kessler has meetings lined up with three teams Tuesday night after 6 PM ET at the Los Angeles offices of his CAA representatives. The Lakers, of course, are strongly believed to be one of those three teams given their considerable interest in trying to swipe Kessler from the Jazz,” Fischer reported.
“Teams and agents were permitted by league rules to begin scheduling free agent meetings Monday once the clock struck 6 PM ET … exactly 24 hours before free agency’s opening bell sounds.”
The Lakers have been searching for a starting-caliber center ever since acquiring Luka Dončić. Finding the right frontcourt partner for the superstar guard has become one of the organization’s biggest priorities, especially after the team’s struggles in the paint last season.
Los Angeles received inconsistent production from Deandre Ayton, who was unable to provide the level of rim protection, rebounding, and pick-and-roll finishing needed to fully complement Dončić and Austin Reaves.
As a result, Kessler has repeatedly emerged as one of the Lakers’ most talked-about offseason targets.
The former first-round pick has quickly developed into one of the NBA’s most promising young defensive centers. He owns a career average of 2.4 blocks per game and has built his reputation on elite shot blocking, rim-running athleticism, and finishing above the basket.
Those strengths have made many believe he would thrive catching lob passes from Dončić while anchoring the Lakers’ defense.
However, even with all the interest, signing a deal with Kessler will not be simple for the Lakers. He is a restricted free agent, meaning the Jazz still have the right to match any offer sheet he signs and keep him in Utah.
Adding another layer to the situation, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon recently reported that Kessler turned down a five-year, $140 million contract extension from the Jazz. That decision fueled speculation about his future with the franchise.
However, Kessler later pushed back against those rumors with an Instagram post.
“I’ve seen what’s being said, and I want it to be clear that I have always wanted to be here. I love this city, these fans, my teammates, my coaches. That’s real to me. You don’t grow roots where you don’t want to be,” the caption read.
Those conflicting reports have created an interesting situation heading into free agency. The upcoming meeting could help the Lakers determine whether Kessler is a realistic target or whether the discussions are simply part of the restricted free agency process to strengthen his position in negotiations with Utah.
If there is a genuine opportunity to acquire Kessler, the Lakers could decide to make an aggressive push.
His age, defensive ability, and fit alongside Dončić make him one of the most intriguing center options on the market this year.
