Lakers Eyeing Walker Kessler as Potential Offseason Target
The Los Angeles Lakers have their sights set on bolstering their frontcourt this summer, and one name that continues to surface is Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. The Lakers reportedly had interest in Kessler last season, but Utah wasn’t willing to entertain offers. That stance hasn’t changed much - at least publicly - but the buzz around a potential offseason pursuit is growing louder.
According to recent reports, the Lakers are expected to make a serious run at Kessler when free agency opens. With cap space in hand and a desire to reshape their roster, L.A. could be in position to put together an offer sheet that forces Utah into a tough decision. The Jazz may value Kessler highly, but there’s only so far they might be willing to go financially.
It’s an interesting situation, especially considering Kessler’s current status. The 7-foot-2 center saw his 2025-26 season cut short after just five games due to a shoulder injury. But in that small sample size, he reminded everyone why he’s one of the league’s most intriguing young bigs.
Kessler averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting a blistering 70.3% from the field. That kind of efficiency doesn’t happen by accident - it’s the result of smart positioning, strong hands, and a knack for finishing through contact. In today’s NBA, where big men are often judged by their ability to stretch the floor, Kessler brings value the old-school way: elite rim protection and pick-and-roll dominance.
He may not be a perimeter threat, but Kessler more than makes up for it with his impact on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he’s a true anchor - a shot-blocking presence who alters game plans just by being on the court. Offensively, he’s a vertical spacer who thrives in the pick-and-roll and punishes teams that leave him unattended around the rim.
For the Lakers, who are currently tied to Deandre Ayton, the idea of adding a player like Kessler is about more than just stats. It’s about fit, upside, and reshaping the identity of their frontcourt. Ayton has had his moments, but consistency has been an issue, and L.A. may be looking for a different kind of presence in the paint.
Kessler, still just 24, fits the mold of a modern defensive centerpiece - mobile enough to cover ground, long enough to deter drivers, and smart enough to avoid foul trouble. If the Lakers can lure him away from Utah, it could be a major step toward building a more balanced and defensively sound roster.
The Jazz, of course, won’t let him go without a fight. But if the Lakers push the right financial buttons, they might just make it hard for Utah to say yes.
One thing’s clear: Kessler’s name isn’t going away anytime soon. And for a Lakers team looking to retool around its stars, he could be exactly the kind of building block they need.