Is it possible to manifest something? If so, this editorial may have done it. The Los Angeles Lakers will watch closely as the Utah Jazz will reportedly be exploring trade talks that involve their dream center target.
Sarah Todd of Deseret News revealed, "Numerous league sources have indicated that they believe the Jazz are going to be active over the next several weeks. ... League sources have said that they expect for conversations to include Walker Kessler (who is extension eligible) and Lauri Markkanen."
Todd explained that John Collins, Collin Sexton, and Jordan Clarkson are the most 'obvious candidates for trade' on the roster. However, the possibility that the Jazz are willing to field offers for Kessler has to be music to the ears of Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office.
Kessler's asking price will be the biggest obstacle for Lakers
There is a long list of reasons as to why the Jazz big man is the best candidate to fill the vacancy at center for the Lakers. Those were already discussed here.
The focus today will be around the cost of Kessler. That will undoubtedly be the biggest hurdle that Pelinka and company would need to clear for this potential acquisition.
The idea of trading for Kessler was something that came up on Jovan Buha's recent episode of Buha's Block. The Lakers insider noted that Utah's asking prices 'tend to be higher.'
"To trade a Walker, it is going to be a high price," Buha mentioned. "I reported that the Lakers had interested in Walker previously, ... the starting price was the equivalent of two-plus first-round picks."
Buha did not show a lot of faith in the Lakers having 'the requisite assets to get a Walker Kessler' despite confirming his belief that the young center was obtainable for the right price. So, what would it take for Los Angeles to get the two-way big man into purple and gold?
The Mark Williams package may not suffice. Would Pelinka be willing to put together a package featuring Austin Reaves to acquire Kessler and other supporting pieces?
Does the young defensive anchor fit the description of the type of big man that the Lakers front office would reportedly be willing to part with their talented offensive guard for? Kessler is not quite 'elite,' but does have good upside at 23 years old.
There are two underrated aspects of any trade negotiations to factor in here as hurdles as well. First, the Jazz own the Lakers' 2027 first-round pick (top-four protected). Second, Utah just accidently helped Los Angeles pull off the heist of the century with the Luka Doncic trade.
Is a Kessler trade probable? Comparatively to some of the other targets the Lakers could acquire this offseason, it does not stack up as strongly. Is it doable? With a convincing offer, it absolutely is.