NBA Rumors: Lakers targeting elite defensive Jazz center to pair with Davis

After a quiet offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers have gotten out to an encouraging 3-1 start to the 2024-25 season. That has led to increased optimism from Lakers fans that their team might be able to compete in a brutal Western Conference.

It's obviously still early but the Lakers appear to be much better coached with the addition of former player JJ Reddick to their bench. They have also been buoyed by a dominant start by stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Of course, they should still look to try and improve in the trade market if the opportunity presents itself and, according to Lakers insider Jovan Buddha, they are doing just that. He reports that they are interested in Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. Kessler is one of the best rim protectors in the NBA and currently ranks second in the league in blocked shots with three per game.

Despite his elite defensive play, the Jazz have been toying with the idea of trading him and the New York Knicks were recently linked to Kessler but had to bow out due to the Jazz wanting first-round picks. Utah probably isn't going to get that for Kessler alone. However, a larger deal involving another one of their players could entice a team such as the Lakers to offer up significant assets to be able to upgrade their roster.

NBA Rumors: Lakers targeting elite defensive Jazz center Walker Kessler.

Kessler is on a rookie contract for the next two seasons after this year, making him a viable trade chip for the Jazz. Him alone could warrant a first-round pick but if they were to include Jordan Clarkson in a potential deal for Rui Hachimura and a 2029 top-three protected first, then that might make sense for both teams.

The Lakers would be able to add more shooting with Clarkson and a rim protector in Kessler to pair with Davis. That would be well worth giving up a potential lottery pick in 5 years, while the Jazz should be interested in that selection for that reason.

After they re-signed Lauri Markkanen, they may want to try and keep Clarkson and Kessler. Then again, the Lakers could potentially sweeten an offer by adding a pick swap or a future second-round pick. The Jazz also have incentive to bottom out given the loaded 2025 NBA Draft. 

Overall, the Lakers' rumored interest in Kessler makes plenty of sense, with them seemingly wanting to pair Davis with a center. Kessler would be the ideal fit and would help Davis to bolster their defense but acquiring him would depend on the cost and the Jazz's willingness to take a step back.