The Lakers have been off to a hot start, earning a 2-0 record behind Anthony Davis’s 30-point performances. However, as impressive as they’ve looked, several questions remain—particularly around the center position. The Lakers were recently linked to several centers who could help Davis, LeBron James, and co. out. However, a new report confirms they are interested in a key name from their conference rival.
Jazz Big Man Reportedly on Lakers Radar, Per Insider
Lakers Tied to Walker Kessler
According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, the Lakers have expressed interest in Jazz center Walker Kessler. He marked the 23-year-old as one of the team’s trade targets to begin the season, but not before adding an important caveat.
“I think we need more time to see which guys become available. I think Walker Kessler is a name that the Lakers have been interested in that would make a lot of sense and would allow you to either start a two-big look or probably more realistically bring him off the bench.”
Kessler, a product of UNC and Auburn, is entering his third year as the main man in the middle for a rebuilding Jazz team. Last season, he put up 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game on .654/.211/.602 splits. In Utah’s first two games, he has averaged 9.0 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 1.5 assists while shooting 87.5% from the field.
Although Davis has started the season off producing video-game-like numbers, the reality is such production may not be sustainable for all 82 games. The Lakers have lacked an extra big man to help make Davis’s job easier, and that’s where Kessler can easily slide in.
The 23-year-old’s production on both ends of the floor is precisely what the Lakers need under JJ Redick. While he has grown as a scorer and a rebounder, his defense has been consistently superb. Kessler averaged 2.3 blocks per game (career-best 173 total) his rookie year, and put up similar numbers (2.4 BPG, 154 total) in his sophomore season. He could help the Lakers tremendously next to a DPOY candidate, supplementing Davis as either a starter or a reserve and providing an extra threat in the paint. Additionally, Kessler’s ability to rack up points in the pick-and-roll or in transition would be excellent next to James’ superior playmaking.
Potential Kessler Trade Would Affect Two Lakers
Buha said the Lakers’ interest in Kessler may significantly impact two key players.
The first player he touched on was Rui Hachimura, who has averaged 16 points (.462/.375/.625 splits) and six rebounds in LA’s first two games. Buha appreciated Hachimura’s aggressiveness to start the season and acknowledged how he’s gotten into a groove on offense as LA’s fourth—or potentially, third—option. However, he noted the team could go in a different direction if Hachimura struggles on either end of the floor—though not by trading him.
“With the way Rui’s playing, to me, he’s kind of a guy you probably gotta keep. And even if you end up shifting his role more to like a sixth man or a bench guy, I still think the production and the efficiency and the effectiveness on both sides of the ball—that’s a guy I’d want to keep.”
Buha’s tone shifted when reviewing the Lakers’ main facilitator, D’Angelo Russell.
“Naturally, I think the guy you probably move is D’Lo. He has looked out of place for stretches over these first couple of games. With AD, LeBron, and now Austin kind of taking that number three spot in the offensive hierarchy, it just kind of relegates D’Lo to an even smaller role. And I just don’t think he provides enough else in terms of rebounding and defense and intangibles…I thought tonight, straight up, Gabe [Vincent] was better.”
Gabe Vincent, who spent the majority of last season sidelined with knee issues, has made an impact for the Lakers in their first two games. He only recorded five points, two rebounds and three steals Friday night, but he buried a clutch three in the third quarter and was in the closing lineup alongside James, Davis, Reaves and Hachimura.
LeBron finds Gabe Vincent in the corner and the Lakers have the lead!!! pic.twitter.com/lF9TLCVrrd
— Italo Santana (@BulletClubIta) October 26, 2024
How did LeBron find Gabe Vincent on this pass 😲 pic.twitter.com/l4RzA5aVfj
— NBA TV (@NBATV) October 26, 2024
It’s unclear if Vincent is in line for a larger role, though his presence—along with Reaves’s growth—certainly complicates any plans the Lakers had of keeping Russell around. Buha added that, if LA ends up making a move, he expects Russell to be “the guy” going out in a trade package.
The Last Word
LA’s interest in Kessler clearly comes with major impacts, but he is one center the Lakers should prioritize if they want to help James and Davis succeed. Kessler’s skill set and flexibility are too good to be denied by Rob Pelinka and the Lakers brass, and he could be a real difference-maker in Redick’s schemes next to LA’s superstars and standout role players.
