After acquiring Deandre Ayton in free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers would seemingly have resolved their biggest flaw, which was at center. However, adding Ayton comes with a whole other list of issues, and Los Angeles is no doubt looking for another reliable backup or even another potential starting center.
The player that continues to be linked to him is Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, who remains high on the list of available centers. After all, he is only 23 years old and is a terrific rim protector and rebounder while still being on his rookie-scale contract.
That makes it easier for teams to trade for him, especially for the Lakers. With Los Angeles hoping to have cap space next summer, trading for him this summer wouldn't affect their long-term plans.
Kessler having a low cap hold would make it easy to be able to re-sign him after the Lakers potentially land two stars in the summer of 2026. Despite that, the Lakers should strongly consider backing off their pursuit of Kessler.
The Lakers should steer clear of trading for Walker Kessler
In theory, a center rotation consisting of Ayton and Kessler would be perfect. Ayton is a lob threat and a better offensive player, while Kessler is more of a traditional rim protector and rebounder.
They could get 48 minutes of strong play at center, which would dramatically raise their floor after they were exposed in the playoffs last season. Nevertheless, the cost of acquiring Kessler could outweigh the benefits.
The Jazz, according to Lakers insider Jovan Buha of The Athletic, wants two first-round picks and a young player in return for Kessler. That is a massive demand, considering that few teams in the Lakers position have those kinds of assets.
Not only that, but the Lakers currently don't have two first-round picks to trade, and it's debatable whether they have a young prospect that could interest the Jazz. Dalton Knecht is the closest thing, and he was nearly traded last season for Mark Williams.
The Lakers may not need Walker Kessler after all
The Lakers could get creative and trade a pick swap to a team with plenty of first-round picks for an actual first-rounder. That way, the Lakers could offer two firsts and Knecht for Kessler. Then again, they might be better served taking a more conservative approach.
They could simply roll with Ayton and Jaxson Hayes and see if they can cobble together 48 minutes of solid play at center. Hayes was miscast as a starting center after they traded Anthony Davis, but should be perfectly fine back as a backup next season.
The bigger question is Ayton, who averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds last season. Those are strong numbers that don't bring up questions about his motor and professionalism, making him far from a safe bet.
Ultimately, the Lakers need another center after landing Ayton. However, the asking price for Kessler might be too high, potentially leading to the Lakers relying on Ayton and Hayes.