Raise your hand if you are a Los Angeles Lakers fan and want Walker Kessler in the starting lineup for next season. Although I cannot physically see them, a safe bet can be placed about there being a ton of hands up right now. Keep those hands up if you are ready to discuss just how challenging that path will be. If you are still among the group, there is much to talk about.
In theory, one would envision there being simplicity to the situation. The Jazz and Kessler failed to agree on a rookie-scale extension before last year's deadline, implying there is a disconnect on price when it comes to the young center's next deal.
That is all well and good for the Lakers until evaluating the overall cap books in Utah. They are clean and have plenty of room for a sizable Kessler contract. This is something Jazz expert Matt John pointed out. Sam Vecenie of the Game Theory Podcast had a similar message in an offseason preview for Los Angeles.
Vecenie said: "I'm assuming the Jazz are just going to match Walker Kessler at this point. They have no reason not to. ... They're moving into a new era and they want to be able to contend."
Lakers must accept Walker Kessler still fits the Jazz's plans at any price
Vecenie thought even an offer sheet that was around $35 million on average would still be something the Jazz would not shy away from. The combo of Kessler and Jaren Jackson Jr. in the frontcourt was too enticing to not experiment with solely due to money.
There, Vecenie has a point. Kessler does a good job offsetting Jackson's deficencies. Mainly, the rebounding ability of the up-and-coming center make up greatly for the liability that the former Grizzlies star is on the boards.
At that point, the Jazz get to benefit from having two strong interior presences protecting the back end of their defense. It would give them a great opportunity to finally level up on that side of the court.
Even if Utah ultimately wanted to move off Kessler, the Lakers being willing to overpay for someone of his quality would theoretically mean another team could be too. That allows the Jazz to match an offer sheet comfortably and evaluate trading him at their convenience.
If the Lakers truly want Kessler in purple and gold, a sign-and-trade would be the most obvious path to achieving that. Unfortunately for Los Angeles, there are not a ton of workable options for them to send back the other way to satisfy Utah, apart from guys you want to keep like Austin Reaves.
Realistically, the chances are slim here for the Lakers. Upgrading at the starting center position will not be as easy as pulling up a truck of cash to Kessler's home.
Add us as a preferred source on Google