Los Angeles Lakers
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler still may be out of the Los Angeles Lakers’ price range. But the door opened a little wider to a potential reunion with Brook Lopez.
One of the biggest priorities for the Lakers this summer will be trying to improve their frontcourt. Especially at the center spot. Last offseason, the organization was among those that showed interest in Jazz big Walker Kessler. And there have been rumblings in recent days that they could re-engage Utah in trade talks this summer.
However, this week, The Athletic Lakers insider Jovan Buha poured some cold water on that possibility. “I think the issue with Walker Kessler and with Utah in general is their asking prices tend to be higher, and I think trading for Lauri [Markkanen] or Walker is going to be a high price,” he said in a new Q&A session on his YouTube channel.
The most recent reports suggested Utah is looking for multiple future first-round picks in any potential trade for Kessler. However, with a Kessler trade unlikely, there will be some solid veteran options on the trade and free agent market this summer. One of them is Milwaukee Bucks star Brook Lopez.
His name has been linked to the Lakers in recent weeks. Mainly because the man who played one season in LA seven years ago could be had at an affordable rate if Milwaukee does not plan on trying to hold on to him this summer. Well, this week, the Hardwood Paroxysm substack page reported, “most everyone I’ve spoken to assumes Brook Lopez is gone.”
Milwaukee is the only team that might see added value in the 37-year-old after he helped them win a championship a few seasons ago. However, with the Bucks out of the equation, his market is even weaker. While he may not be LA’s top choice, if they fail in pursuits of other players, Lopez could be a worthwhile and affordable center option in August.