The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler for the better part of the past two seasons. Los Angeles has a well-known interest in improving the quality and depth at the center position and Kessler offers captivating value as a rim protector and rebounder.
Though Kessler seemed to be out of reach with restricted free agency looming, the Jazz's recent trade for Jaren Jackson Jr. could make him available to the Lakers for the right price.
Kessler, who's still just 24 years of age, started all 58 games he played in 2024-25 and each of his five appearances in 2025-26 before a shoulder injury prematurely ended his season. He remains a hot commodity on the open market, however, as a young and productive big who can anchor an interior.
The Jazz seemingly called Kessler's future with the franchise into question, however, when they completed a shocking trade for Jackson.
BREAKING: The Memphis Grizzlies are trading star forward Jaren Jackson Jr., John Konchar, Jock Landale and Vince Williams Jr. to the Utah Jazz for Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hendricks, Georges Niang and three future first-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/ax6oQpZx0S
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026
With potential lineups that would see Jackson at the 5 and Markkanen at the 4, it's fair to question if Kessler still has a long-term place in Utah. Moreover, it's reasonable to believe the Lakers can now be a realistic destination for him in free agency.
Jazz trade for Jaren Jackson Jr., call Walker Kessler's future into question
Kessler will be a restricted free agent this summer, meaning Utah will be able to match any offer he receives. As such, the Lakers could submit their best possible proposal to Kessler and still find themselves unable to bring the big man to Los Angeles.
To make matters worse, Tony Jones of The Athletic quickly reported that the Jackson trade hasn't necessarily changed how the Jazz feel about Kessler as a long-term asset.
League Sources: Utah’s move for JJJ will not affect the Jazz’ interest in keeping Walker Kessler long term. The Jazz are doing this envisioning JJJ/Lauri/Kessler frontcourt
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) February 3, 2026
There are more factors at play than Utah's intentions and ambitions, however, now that Jackson is in the fold. Though Kessler is a restricted free agent, he has some level of control over his future with the franchise and could utilize that leverage to achieve a change of scenery if he feels pushed out by Jackson's presence.
That was on display during the 2025 offseason, when Quentin Grimes accepted his qualifying offer from the Philadelphia 76ers to create a 2026 period of unrestricted free agency.
Lakers need dominoes to fall in their favor, but can pursue Walker Kessler
In the event that the Lakers are able to sign Kessler in either 2026 or 2027, it would at least be worth considering doing so. He's an elite shot-blocker who boasts career averages of 2.4 blocks per game and 3.4 per 36 minutes.
Kessler also has career averages of 13.5 points, 13.2 rebounds, 4.8 offensive boards, and 1.7 assists per 36 minutes, thus revealing his well-rounded nature as an interior player.
With Kessler in the fold, the Lakers could finally move forward with a legitimate rim protector on defense. They could also trust him to create second chances and potentially work the pick and roll with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Nothing is imminent, but there's never been more reason to believe that Kessler is a realistic target for the Lakers than after the Jackson trade made a summer departure at least worth hoping for.