Report: Lakers Have Tried To Acquire Walker Kessler From Jazz ‘Many Times’

According to NBA insider Shams Charania of ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers have tried to acquire Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz “many times.”

The Jazz have a high asking price for the center. 

“They’ve tried to get Walker Kessler many times, they have not been able to meet that steep price… I’m sure they’ll keep trying.”

— @ShamsCharania on the Lakers

(via @ESPNNBA) pic.twitter.com/cpEXirWVKo

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 26, 2025

Kessler has appeared in 35 games for the Jazz this season. He’s averaging 11.3 points, 11.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.5 steals and 2.4 blocks while shooting 73.3% from the field, 50.0% from beyond the arc and 54.7% from the free-throw line. 

The 23-year-old Kessler has career NBA averages of 9.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.4 steals and 2.4 blocks. 

Anthony Davis told Charania he wants the Lakers to trade for a center.  

“I think we need another big,” Davis said. “I feel like I’ve always been at my best when I’ve been the 4, having a big out there.”

The Lakers won the 2020 championship with Davis at the 4. 

“We know it worked when we won a championship with JaVale [McGee] and Dwight [Howard] at the 5 and I’m at the 4,” Davis said. 

The Lakers are 25-18 on the season under first-year head coach JJ Redick. They are in fifth place in the Western Conference standings. 

“We feel like we are right there, you know, as far as the team and everything like that,” Davis said.

After the Lakers beat the Boston Celtics, Davis doubled down on his comments about wanting to play the 4. 

“I only started playing the five in 2021,” Davis said. “I’d have stretches, but I was primarily a four. So my whole career I’ve been playing the four. And we’ve seen how I play. I just feel a little bit more effective (at the four). I mean, (playing the five) has its advantages and disadvantages. But the front office knows that. I’ve told them that every year I’ve been here. So it’s nothing new. But I just feel like, personally, I’m a better player at the four.”