Walker Kessler has quickly skyrocketed to one of the most talked about names in connection to the Los Angeles Lakers. If the dream of stealing him from the Utah Jazz is to become a reality, the NBA Draft will offer an excellent opportunity to either strengthen or hurt those chances.
When reports came out earlier this week about Darryn Peterson only granting a team meeting to the Washington Wizards, it suddenly sparked the thought of AJ Dybantsa dropping to second overall for the Jazz's taking. That is significant considering the desire to see him start from day one should be there, and that requires shaking someone loose for that to be possible in Utah.
Even if Dybantsa does go first overall, though, there is another pathway for the Jazz's selection at second overall to play a factor in Kessler's availability to other suitors. That would be if Utah goes against the grain and takes Cameron Boozer at that selection.
Boozer could immediately slot in with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen as a day-one starter for the Jazz. If that is the case, it could similarly crack the door open for Kessler to go elsewhere after becoming much less important to Utah's long-term plans.
Cameron Boozer's arrival in Utah should make Walker Kessler gettable for the Lakers
The top four in the 2026 NBA Draft are all viewed in high esteem. Choosing to go with Boozer over Peterson at second overall, assuming Dybantsa is off the board, is not the most ridiculous choice by any means.
"Darryn is trying to push his way to Washington or Memphis," NBA insider Sam Amick claimed on an episode of Run It Back for FanDuel TV.
Granted, Amick also followed that up by referencing how that went for Ace Bailey in the 2025 NBA Draft. The Jazz did not care and selected Bailey all the same. The young wing reported and played in Utah like it never happened.
If the Jazz do want to abide this time, or if they just flat out view Boozer as the better prospect over Peterson, that added presence in the frontcourt gives them a clear out to Kessler. They might need it, too, after the reported friction between him and the front office.
Kessler is said to have turned down a five-year, $140 million extension from the Jazz. Adding Boozer would make retaining the young center far less important for Utah. That could then open up an opportunity for a willing suitor like the Lakers to negotiate a sign-and-trade.
That idea works out for all parties involved. The Lakers get their 'A-list center' that Luka Doncic is asking for. The Jazz get to recoup value for moving on while also securing their future in the frontcourt. Daringly said, everyone could be a winner here.
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