The Los Angeles Lakers are in desperate need of a center this offseason, and every team in the NBA knows it. Due to this, the Lakers could be operating from a place of disadvantage during any trade talks.
Los Angeles knows that in order to be competitive next season, adding at least two centers is a must. The frontcourt is the biggest weakness on this roster right now, but the team is doing its due diligence.
The player that Los Angeles has been eyeing heavily is center Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz. The Lakers have tried to land Kessler multiple times over the years, but the Jazz have made things very difficult.
However, Los Angeles is still showing significant interest in landing Kessler ahead of the NBA draft. Jazz insider Andy Blarsen of The Salt Lake Tribune confirmed the Lakers' heavy interest, but was skeptical of a deal going down.
“Giving up multiple picks to get there, that is on the table right now. I don't know if the Jazz take it. Certainly, they haven't so far," Blarsen said.
Kessler could be the perfect complement to Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Due to his ability to play both ends of the floor, he is exactly the type of player that the Lakers need.
While Kessler doesn't space the floor very well, he makes up for it with his defensive abilities. Last season, he averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.6 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game.
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) shoots over Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) in the third quarter at Barclays Center.
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) shoots over Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) in the third quarter at Barclays Center.
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Landing Kessler would take a lot from the Lakers, but it could likely be worth it. Kessler is eligible for a contract extension this offseason, giving Utah an option to trade him or pay him.
If the Jazz don't believe he is worth a new extension, moving him to a team like the Lakers makes all the sense in the world.