A big Lakers trade target at center may become available this summer

USA Today

2 days ago

A big Lakers trade target at center may become available this summer
There have been a few centers the Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly been interested in for some time as they have looked to plug the big hole they have had at the 5. One such player is Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz.
Kessler, who will turn 24 years of age on July 26, may not be the supremely athletic, bouncy center the Lakers ideally want. But he's a force defensively and on the boards, and he's a strong finisher at the rim and a lob threat, which checks several other boxes on the list of abilities they need in a big man.
He averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks a game while shooting 66.3% from the field this season. Since he only has three years of NBA experience, there is every chance he continues to improve, especially offensively, as time goes on.
The Jazz, according to at least one report, weren't willing to trade Kessler prior to this year's trade deadline. But according to NBA reporter Sarah Todd, they will be willing to listen to offers for him and other key players such as former All-Star Lauri Markkanen this summer.
Via Deseret News:
"Numerous league sources have indicated that they believe the Jazz are going to be active over the next several weeks," wrote Sarah Todd. "Many expect that the Jazz are willing to hear offers that would include draft picks in the 2025 draft as well as players on the Jazz's current roster.
"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."
Kessler will make a shade under $5 million next season, so acquiring him may not cost Los Angeles a lot in the way of players. However, one would have to expect the Jazz to ask for significant draft compensation, which means a third team may need to get involved.
It is also worth mentioning that the chief executive officer of the Jazz is Danny Ainge, the former Boston Celtics guard who played in three NBA Finals against the Lakers in the mid-1980s. Although Ainge participated in February's Luka Doncic trade by bringing in Utah as a third team, it is not easy to imagine him doing his old rivals a solid by sending them Kessler at a fair price.