The Los Angeles Lakers’ front office is making noise again—and this time, it’s all about size. With the roster in flux following another disappointing playoff exit, L.A. is eyeing a $13.4 million center to bolster its interior defense.
Among the names gaining traction are Utah’s Walker Kessler and Dallas rookie Dereck Lively II, according to league insiders. Kessler, in particular, has been on the Lakers’ radar for months as the team explores trade options to strengthen its frontcourt rotation ahead of the 2025–26 season.
L.A. Eyes Walker Kessler, Dereck Lively II Amid Frontcourt Overhaul
With the Lakers prioritizing a frontcourt upgrade following Anthony Davis’ departure, Kessler and Lively II have emerged as top trade targets. However, acquiring Kessler remains a complicated pursuit, largely due to Utah’s hefty asking price.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha recently broke down the situation during a Q&A, shedding light on the challenges facing Los Angeles in any attempt to land the 24-year-old Jazz big man.
“I think the issue with Walker Kessler and with Utah in general is their asking prices tend to be higher,” Buha said. “Going back to last season, I reported that the Lakers had had interest in Walker previously, and they had inquired about him to the Jazz, and the feedback they got was the starting price, not the final price. The starting price was the equivalent of two-plus first-round picks.”
Despite reports that Utah is now open to offers for Kessler, Buha isn’t convinced the Lakers have the assets to meet the Jazz’s expectations.
“I just don’t know if they have the requisite assets to get a Walker Kessler,” he said, noting the franchise would need to match or exceed offers like the “Mark Williams package.”
Kessler, who posted career-best averages of 11.1 points and 12.2 rebounds this past season, continues to anchor a struggling Jazz defense. His interior presence remains a major bright spot for Utah, making it unlikely the organization parts ways with him unless blown away by a significant offer.
Buha emphasized that while “technically every player is available,” Kessler is viewed as a long-term piece of Utah’s rebuild.
As the Lakers explore their options, Buha mentioned the Lakers’ own Christian Koko as a developmental third-string center. While he wouldn’t fill the primary backup role, Buha sees potential:
“He’s shown a lot of potential on the defensive end, as a rebounder and even as a finisher around the basket.,” Buha explained.
Even with a potential multi-team deal in play in the foreseeable future, the Lakers face an uphill climb. As Buha noted, Utah still values Kessler highly, making L.A.’s search for a reliable, cost-controlled big man all the more urgent as the offseason heats up.