Report: Jazz Not Interested In Lakers Package Of D’Angelo Russell And First-Round Picks For Walker Kessler

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Utah Jazz are not interested in the Los Angeles Lakers package of D’Angelo Russell and first-round picks for Walker Kessler.

The Lakers would like to acquire Kessler, but it doesn’t appear the Jazz will trade him. 

“League sources say Jazz coach Will Hardy pushes Kessler quite hard behind the scenes, all with the goal of development and a clearer view of his value for the organization,” Amick wrote. “After all, as noted above, Kessler is extension-eligible after this season and due for a hefty raise of some sort. While our Jovan Buha recently reported the Lakers have interest in Kessler, a Jazz source indicated the possible framework of a deal — D’Angelo Russell and multiple first-round picks — would not be of interest. As noted above, though, there could be other Lakers iterations that might be of more interest.”

Kessler is averaging 8.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 2.5 blocks this season while shooting 68.2% from the field and 57.1% from the free-throw line. 

The 23-year-old Kessler has career averages of 8.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.4 steals and 2.4 blocks. He was the 22nd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Auburn. 

Russell has gotten off to a poor start this season for the Lakers. He’s averaging 10.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 5.8 assists while shooting 36.7% from the field, 25.0% from beyond the arc and 100.0% from the free-throw line. 

Russell is in the final year of his contract. He’s making $18.7 million this season.