The season is over for the Los Angeles Lakers, and they have some major decisions to make.
At the top of their list is how to find a big man who can improve their porous defense as quickly as possible.
According to Evan Sidery, finding “a game-changing center” will be LA’s biggest priority in the summer.
Sidery said fans should keep a close eye on Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz.
“The Jazz have continuously said Kessler isn’t available, but the Lakers have coveted him for awhile,” Sidery wrote.
The Lakers’ next big move will be finding a game-changing center.
Following the vetoed trade for Mark Williams, one name to closely monitor as a top target is Walker Kessler.
The Jazz have continuously said Kessler isn’t available, but the Lakers have coveted him for awhile. pic.twitter.com/CXD1UVMkav
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) May 1, 2025
No one can blame the Lakers for coveting Kessler, who produced 11.1 points and 12.2 rebounds this season, shooting 66.3 percent from the field.
He has been a key part of the Jazz since joining the league three years ago.
Throughout that time, multiple teams have inquired about Kessler, but the Jazz have dug in their heels, refusing to move him.
But the team has remained toward the bottom of the standings, and they might be willing to negotiate now.
They won’t go easy on the Lakers, however, and the Jazz will demand a lot from Rob Pelinka and his staff.
What will they ask for, and which players could be leaving Los Angeles in exchange for Kessler?
Should fans be prepared to part ways with Rui Hachimura, Dorian Finney-Smith, and possibly even Austin Reaves?
The Lakers are desperate to make a move for a player like Kessler, and the Jazz are known for playing hardball in negotiations.
Both sides might get what they want, but it could be painful for both fan bases.
Will the Lakers do whatever they must to get Kessler, or will they instead pursue a player like him?
This might be one of the biggest storylines of the offseason.
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