The Lakers dodged a $120 million bullet - and it might be the best thing that didn’t happen to them this season.
According to recent reports, Los Angeles made a run at Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, the 7'2" rim protector who’s been on a lot of front offices’ radars. But Utah wasn’t ready to move him, and now we’re seeing just how costly that move could’ve been - not just in assets, but in long-term flexibility.
Here’s the kicker: Utah reportedly balked at giving Kessler a contract extension in the ballpark of $120 million before the season. Had the Lakers pulled off a deal, they likely would’ve had to take on that same financial commitment. That’s a big swing for a player who, while elite defensively, isn’t exactly a cornerstone offensive piece - and now, with Kessler out for the season following shoulder surgery, the risk becomes even more glaring.
The Injury Changes Everything
Let’s be clear: $120 million over four years - assuming an even $30 million per season - isn’t outrageous money for a starting-caliber center in today’s NBA. That’s roughly 18% of the salary cap, and for a player who can anchor a defense, that’s within reason.
But timing is everything.
If the Lakers had landed Kessler and extended him, they’d be staring down a season without their starting center and without the trade assets needed to pivot. That’s a brutal spot to be in for a team trying to maximize what’s left of LeBron James’ championship window. When you're giving up premium assets - likely first-round picks - the last thing you want is to immediately hand out a nine-figure deal and lose the player to injury.
And it’s not just about the injury. Committing major money to a non-star player right after giving up your best trade chips is the kind of move that can box a team into mediocrity.
Kessler has elite defensive tools, no doubt, but he’s a one-position guy with a narrow skill set. That’s a tough gamble in a league that increasingly favors versatility and switchability.
Lakers’ Flexibility Is Their Real Win
By not going all-in on Kessler, the Lakers have kept their options wide open - and that’s a huge win in itself.
Rob Pelinka and the front office still have a first-round pick to play with at the trade deadline, and by this summer, they’ll be able to move up to three. That’s a drastically different position than they’d be in had they dealt for Kessler. Flexibility like that is gold in a league where the trade market can shift overnight.
And then there’s the cap space. The Lakers are projected to have over $55 million available this offseason - even factoring in Austin Reaves’ cap hold once he declines his player option.
That kind of room gives L.A. the chance to make a major move or two. If they still like Kessler, they can pursue him in restricted free agency.
Utah can match any offer, but the Jazz have already shown they’re not writing blank checks. That gives the Lakers leverage - something they wouldn’t have had if they were already locked into a deal.
Ayton and Hayes: The Unexpected Value Play
Missing out on Kessler has also allowed the Lakers to explore other frontcourt options - and so far, that’s worked out better than expected.
Deandre Ayton, playing on a player option for next season, has delivered the kind of production the Lakers hoped for when they brought him in. He’s not the same kind of rim protector as Kessler, but he brings more offensive versatility and has been a steady presence in the paint.
Then there’s Jaxson Hayes, who’s quietly become one of the most reliable rotation bigs on the roster. He’s been more consistent than many expected, giving the Lakers solid minutes without the massive price tag.
If L.A. decides to keep both Ayton and Hayes - and maybe add a third big on a team-friendly deal - they could end up getting more total value for less money than a single Kessler contract would’ve cost. That’s smart team-building, especially in an era where depth and adaptability often outweigh having one specialized piece.
The Door Isn’t Closed - But It Doesn’t Need to Be Open
Kessler could still be in play for the Lakers down the line. If he returns healthy and proves his value, L.A. could make a run at him in free agency. But the important thing is they didn’t lock themselves into a situation that would’ve limited their flexibility, drained their trade assets, and left them paying top dollar for a player who can’t help them this season.
Instead, they’ve kept their powder dry - and in the NBA, that’s often the smartest move you can make.