The Los Angeles Lakers are set to meet with one of the top centers in this year’s NBA free agency class, the Utah Jazz’s Walker Kessler.
Upon touching down in LA, the 7-foot-2 big man reacted to the unexpected news that Lakers veteran star forward LeBron James has decided to find a new home. Kessler also touched on the possibility of playing alongside LA’s star backcourt duo of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
Walker Kessler Breaks Silence on Lakers Rumors, Possible Team-Up With Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves
After reportedly rejecting a five-year, $140 million deal from Utah earlier this offseason, Kessler opted to test his luck as a restricted free agent. NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported Monday that the 24-year-old had “meetings lined up with three teams Tuesday night after 6 PM ET at the Los Angeles offices of his CAA representatives,” including the Lakers.
LA has a well-documented need for an imposing interior presence, given Deandre Ayton’s two-way inconsistencies during his first season with the Purple and Gold. The franchise now kicks off free agency with more cap space than anticipated after ESPN’s Shams Charania’s bombshell report early Tuesday that James “informed the Lakers” that he “will play elsewhere” next season.
Speaking with TMZ after landing in LA, Kessler acknowledged James’ surprise decision before lauding the 22-time All-Star.
“I did see that,” Kessler said. “Obviously, he’s one of the greatest players of all time, so he would have been great to play with, but we just gotta see what happens, man.”
The reporter then quipped, “Luka and Austin ain’t bad, right?” prompting Kessler to offer brief praise for his potential future teammates.
“They’re good players, too, man. No question,” Kessler answered.
TMZ just caught up with Walker Kessler landing in LA after the LeBron news:
TMZ: Luka and Austin ain’t bad
WK: They’re great players as well
TMZ: Any message to LA fans
WK: I’m here man
pic.twitter.com/7GSFv1Fq6H— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) June 30, 2026
Kessler was limited to five appearances in the 2025-26 campaign after suffering a torn labrum in his left shoulder and undergoing season-ending surgery. Before his injury, he was on track for a strong Year 4, averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.8 blocks, and 1.2 3-pointers per game, while shooting an efficient 70.3% overall.
Boasting a career average of 2.4 blocks a night, Kessler makes for an ideal target to solve the Lakers’ glaring rim protection weakness while benefiting from Dončić and Reaves’ playmaking. However, the Jazz will have the right to match any offer sheet the 2022 No. 22 pick signs, complicating his pathway to LA.
