Walker Kessler's Availability Thrills Lakers Fans, But Caution Is Key

The Utah Jazz center, Walker Kessler, whose name has been frequently mentioned as a potential trade target for the Los Angeles Lakers, has seen an uptick in his availability. However, the Lakers would be wise to ignore this development as they move forward with their current roster.

According to The Athletic's Tony Jones, the Jazz and Kessler will not come to an agreement on a rookie-scale contract extension. As a result, Kessler is set to enter restricted free agency in the 2026 NBA offseason. This situation might make the Jazz more open to trade negotiations due to the possibility of losing Kessler, but the restricted nature of his free agency minimizes any significant risk. The Jazz can match any offers he receives or choose to retain him as they view him as a cornerstone of their future.

Although Walker Kessler could complement stars like Luka Dončić, the Lakers should not expect the Jazz to lower their asking price significantly. Kessler is a strong contributor around the rim, yet his value diminishes when he drifts away from the basket. He may be perceived as a key player but could come with a price tag more suitable for a franchise centerpiece.

The Lakers, having filled their center position with Deandre Ayton, should focus on helping him adapt to his new role. Ayton, who has averaged a double-double in each season since being the top pick in the 2018 draft, has experience as the starting center on an NBA Finals team and has proven he can significantly impact winning.

While the compatibility of Ayton with LeBron James, Austin Reaves, and Dončić remains uncertain, it would be counterproductive for the Lakers to look for alternatives, especially ones that could strain their budget. The priority should be ensuring Ayton settles into his role, avoiding unnecessary pressure that could arise from chasing after Kessler.

The Lakers should not abandon the idea of acquiring Kessler altogether; if Ayton struggles, they could reassess their options closer to the trade deadline or even during next summer’s restricted free agency. By then, Kessler’s acquisition price may become more manageable.