NBA rumors: Walker Kessler no longer a slam-dunk trade target for the Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are in the market for a center who can act as the cohesive figure for a roster on the cusp of contending. Anthony Davis is ready and willing to play the bulk of his minutes at the 5-spot, but after requests across multiple seasons for help down low, the clock is ticking for a resolution.

Unfortunately, one of the players who appeared to be an ideal target has suddenly been established as residing just beyond the Lakers' price range.

Los Angeles' pursuit of help at center led to many, Lake Show Life included, pondering if Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler could be the unexpected answer. An elite rim protector with youth on his side, Kessler's upside and immediate value perfectly suit the Lakers' needs.

NBA insider Marc Stein has revealed why the Lakers will likely avoid pursuing a trade for Kessler, however, as Utah's asking price is two first-round draft picks.

"It is believed that Utah wanted at least two future first-round picks for Kessler."

That was the asking price in trade negotiations with the Knicks, who have been happy to part with draft picks in 2024, but it dampens the excitement over the possibility of Kessler joining the Lakers.

Utah Jazz want two first-round draft picks for Walker Kessler

An obvious case can be made for Kessler being worth the asking price that Danny Ainge and the Jazz have set for him. At 23 years of age, he's already one of the most dominant shot-blockers in the NBA, as well as a prolific offensive rebounder.

In 2023-24, Kessler averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.6 offensive boards, 0.9 assists, and 2.4 blocks in just 23.3 minutes per game.

Those figures translate to 12.5 points, 11.6 rebounds, 4.0 offensive boards, 1.4 assists, and 3.7 blocks per 36 minutes. That properly reflects the type of value he could bring to Los Angeles, which has an undeniable need for what he offers.

In 2023-24, Los Angeles ranked No. 21 in the NBA in points allowed in the paint and No. 30 in offensive rebounding and second-chance points.

For as well as Kessler projects to fit, the elephant in the room is that Davis will likely close out playoff games at center. It's possible that Davis and Kessler could be a dominant enough interior duo for them to coexist in a postseason setting, but there's reason to question if that would work.

That sliver of doubt is enough for the Lakers to hold off on giving up two first-round draft picks in a trade, especially when that asking price is typically attached to an All-Star.

Kessler could develop into a player who's worth well more than the current cost, but the Lakers aren't in a position to gamble. They need a quality big to provide depth at center, but an ideal fit can be acquired at a lesser cost.

Kessler would be an ideal fit based on what he offers, but at the current asking price, the Lakers must remain patient and avoid mortgaging the future for a potentially imperfect fit.