NBA Trade Rumors: LA Lakers interested in making a move for Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler

The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to make moves in the NBA offseason and strengthen their squad ahead of the 2025–26 season. It is understood that team management is eager to bolster their frontcourt by bringing in a center.

Notably, Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler was heavily linked to the Lakers earlier this year, with management reportedly viewing him as an ideal complement to Anthony Davis. However, the blockbuster trade for Luka Dončić shifted the team’s priorities—though the need for a center still remains.

In a recent radio interview, NBA insider and ESPN’s Dave McMenamin confirmed that the Lakers remain interested in Kessler, although no formal developments have been confirmed by team officials.

REPORT: massive amounts of reports are coming in from trusted sources that the Los Angeles Lakers have “a HIGH chance” of landing Utah Jazz Walker Kessler before the KIA NBA 2025 draft. Sources say Ainge isn’t asking for Reaves.

Laker fans, be ready. pic.twitter.com/r8wN3r0rc3

— Chris🕷️ (@PlayoffChris_) June 15, 2025

“The only thing on that front is that Walker Kessler remains a name the Lakers are intrigued by. Whether that will lead to any sort of deal—obviously, last year, the asking price was too steep. The Lakers ended up pivoting those assets, which they were considering sending to the Jazz for Kessler, in order to complete the Luka trade. That came off the table after the Luka deal. If they revisit it, Kessler is still viewed as someone who could fill their void at center. I’m not reporting that anything is moving toward a deal or picking up steam—but Kessler remains on the Lakers’ radar,” McMenamin stated.

However, a deal for Kessler does not appear likely this season. The Lakers lack the necessary trade assets to entice the Jazz, and it’s considered unlikely that Utah’s front office, led by Danny Ainge, would be willing to help Los Angeles after the Dončić trade.

Kessler, selected 22nd overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2022 NBA Draft, was immediately traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves alongside TyTy Washington for Jake LaRavia. Just two weeks later, the Timberwolves sent him to the Utah Jazz—along with Patrick Beverley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Leandro Bolmaro, Malik Beasley, four future first-round picks, and a pick swap—in exchange for Rudy Gobert.

The 23-year-old center impressed in his rookie season with Utah, even earning a nomination as a finalist for the 2022–23 NBA Rookie of the Year Award, ultimately finishing third in the voting.

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