There are few better current examples of how quickly the offseason tides start to turn than what is going on with the Utah Jazz and Walker Kessler. A once-thought unattainable restricted free agent has quickly become a much more realistic target for all other 29 teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers.
It was, quite literally, yesterday when it was believed that Utah would simply match any offer sheet coming at Kessler. For most, that provided a feeling of inevitability regarding the young center's future. Most would have reasonably believed the union between him and the Jazz was due to continue.
Fast forward to now, and there is increasing doubt as to whether the fit between the two sides is a long-term one. An insider report from Sam Amick quickly changed the feelings surrounding Kessler's future in Utah in one quick swoop.
"Sources tell [The Athletic] that a player who does want to be there - big man Walker Kessler - is at odds with the front office over his lack of an extension offer last summer and the current handling of his restricted free agency."
Friction between Walker Kessler and Jazz could crack the door open for Lakers
It is important to remember that Utah and Kessler could not agree on a rookie-scale extension before the deadline had passed for it. That has sent the situation to where it is today, with the Jazz center heading for a standoff with the franchise as a restricted free agent.
There should still be plenty of reason for Utah to desire a long-term commitment get done with Kessler. The 24-year-old is a strong finisher on offense, and a capable rim protector. More importantly for them, the former first-round pick helps mask the rebounding deficiencies of recently-acquired Jaren Jackson Jr.
A lot of those same reasons are why rival suitors would be drooling over the opportunity to add him, too. For the Lakers, bringing in Kessler as a long-term frontcourt partner for Luka Doncic would offer them stability at the center position that is hard to find elsewhere this offseason.
One would imagine if the four-year pro and his agent are intent on forcing him out of Utah, the Lakers would pick up the phone for a sign-and-trade opportunity pretty quickly. Kessler has been linked to the franchise as long as one can remember. Adding him would patch up one of the biggest needs for the roster in Los Angeles and allow the focus to shift to other departments.
The Lakers would have multiple draft picks to dangle in negotiations. Those should have more value after the changes made to the NBA Draft system.
Kessler ending up in Los Angeles should still be viewed as one of the less likely solutions to how the Lakers solve their center problem. However, that option comes across as much more realistic now than it would have less than 24 hours ago.
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