NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers’ Trade for Walker Kessler Unlikely Due to Utah’s High Asking Price, Insider Says
The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to explore trade options this offseason following a disappointing playoff exit, but landing Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler may be more of a long shot than a realistic goal.
According to Lakers insider Jovan Buha, Utah’s steep asking price—reportedly the equivalent of two or more first-round picks—makes a deal for Kessler highly unlikely at this point.
“The starting price was the equivalent of two+ first-round picks,” Buha revealed on a recent podcast. “I just don’t know if the Lakers have the requisite assets to get Walker Kessler.”
Lakers Like Kessler, But Can't Afford Him — Yet
The 22-year-old Kessler is considered one of the NBA’s top young defensive bigs. He averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game in his second season, and he’s seen as a long-term anchor for any team’s defense.
The Lakers, meanwhile, are reportedly interested but don't currently have the draft capital or player assets Utah is demanding.
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Lakers’ asset challenges:
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Limited number of tradable first-round picks.
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Unproven or mid-tier trade chips (e.g., Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent).
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No clear centerpiece for a Kessler-level deal.
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“There's no reason for Utah to drop the price now,” Buha added. “Maybe they drop the price at the February 2026 trade deadline.”
Could a Three-Team Trade Help?
Buha floated the idea that a three-team deal could be a way around the impasse. If the Lakers can get a third party involved — one that values players like Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, or Maxi Kleber — they might be able to funnel the right type of asset toward Utah.
“If the Lakers can find a way to get a third team to give up an asset to Utah, and then the Lakers give that team an asset — maybe a team is really high on Rui, Gabe, or Maxi Kleber…” Buha explained.
Still, that’s easier said than done. The most realistic path to acquiring Kessler may require waiting until the 2026 trade deadline, when the Jazz might lower their demands if Kessler doesn’t take another leap or if their rebuild pivots.
Bottom Line
Walker Kessler would be a great fit for the Lakers’ needs: rim protection, rebounding, and youth. But for now, Utah’s asking price is simply too high, and L.A.’s assets too limited.
Conclusion: “I don’t think he’s a real option [right now],” Buha summarized. “It would probably have to be something like Dalton Knecht and two first-round picks — and the Lakers don’t have two firsts to trade.”
The Lakers may revisit this idea in the future, but for now, fans shouldn’t hold their breath for a Kessler deal this summer.
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