Offseason trade proposal sends Walker Kessler to Lakers

March 27, 2025

One NBA analyst proposed that the Los Angeles Lakers trade for Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler this offseason.

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Lakers and Jazz:

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Walker Kessler

Utah Jazz Receive: SG Dalton Knecht, 2031 first-round pick (unprotected)

“After the trade for Mark Williams fell through, the Lakers make a similar offer now to get another young, franchise center,” Swartz wrote. “Kessler, 23, is a massive presence in the middle who’s averaging a double-double (11.5 points, 12.5 rebounds) while swatting 2.3 shots a game and leading the NBA in field goal percentage (72.7 percent). Utah may not be shopping Kessler, although a future unprotected first and a good prospect in Knecht (14.3 points, 39.3 percent from three as a starter) should at least start a conversation.”

The Lakers tried to trade for Kessler at this year’s trade deadline, but the Jazz were not interested in trading the big man.

Kessler has appeared in 56 games for the Jazz this season. He’s averaging 11.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.6 steals and 2.4 blocks while shooting 67.0% from the field and 53.1% from the free-throw line. The 23-year-old leads the NBA in blocks per game.

The Lakers could start Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James and Kessler if Los Angeles’ front office figured out a way to acquire Kessler from Utah. That would be a championship-contending starting lineup.

Kessler, who turns 24 in July, has career averages of 9.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.5 steals and 2.4 blocks. He is eligible to sign a rookie-scale extension this offseason.

Jaxson Hayes has been starting for the Lakers at center since the Doncic-Anthony Davis trade. While Hayes has been playing well for Los Angeles, he isn’t as good as Kessler, who is an elite two-way player.

It will be fascinating to see if Los Angeles general manager Rob Pelinka tries to trade for a center this offseason. He traded for Charlotte Hornets big man Mark Williams before the trade was rescinded after Williams failed his physical.