The Los Angeles Lakers continue their search for center help, a position that has remained a priority for the franchise.
The Utah Jazz’s Walker Kessler has emerged as a familiar target, with his name circulating in trade discussions once again.
Recent reports from Yahoo Sports suggest the Jazz could become active sellers in the coming weeks, potentially making Kessler available through trade talks.
“Obvious candidates for trade would be John Collins, Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson, who are all on expiring deals as of the 2025-26 season, but league sources have said that they expect for conversations to include Walker Kessler (who is extension eligible) and Lauri Markkanen,” LakersMuse shared on Monday.
Walker Kessler may become available this summer and the Jazz are going to be active over the next several weeks per @YahooSports
“Obvious candidates for trade would be John Collins, Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson, who are all on expiring deals as of the 2025-26 season, but… pic.twitter.com/rFOTg3gdkt
— LakersMuse (@LALMuse) June 9, 2025
Kessler has established himself as one of the league’s premier rim protectors in just his third season.
He ranked second in blocks with 2.4 per game while averaging 12.2 rebounds nightly, placing fifth league-wide in that category.
The Jazz aren’t actively shopping Kessler but remain open to listening to offers. Any serious discussions would require a substantial package that could genuinely surprise Utah’s front office.
For the Lakers, Kessler represents an ideal fit alongside their current roster construction.
The two franchises have completed trades previously, creating an established working relationship that could facilitate negotiations.
A potential Lakers offer might center around Dalton Knecht, a 2031 first-round pick, possible future draft swaps, and potentially removing protections from their 2027 first-rounder already owed to Utah.
Whether that package proves sufficient remains uncertain.
The timing could work in Los Angeles’ favor as the Jazz evaluate their roster direction.
Kessler’s combination of youth, defensive impact, and team-friendly contract makes him an attractive target for contending teams.
As the offseason approaches, these trade discussions will likely intensify.
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