NBA Rumors: The Lakers face major obstacles to a rumored big trade

The Los Angeles Lakers are enjoying a strong start to the 2024-25 season, with them having a chance to make the playoffs again this year. Nevertheless, they have been searching the trade market for potential upgrades with a recent report stating that they were looking to make a deal with the Utah Jazz.

Jazz center Walker Kessler is available and given his elite defensive skill, he would make for a devastating front partner with Anthony Davis and bolster the Lakers' defense. Unfortunately for the Lakers, according to the Athletic, the Jazz aren't interested in a deal centered around D'Angelo Russell and future first-round picks.

The Lakers, of course, have other players that they can offer up instead, namely Rui Hachimura. By including him in any potential deal as well as recent first-round selection Jalen-Hood Schifino, the Lakers could have enough tradable salary to acquire Kessler as well as former Laker Jordan Clarkson.

NBA Rumors: The Lakers get bad news regarding a possible trade for Walker Kessler.

The Lakers, of course, would have to pony up multiple picks to be able to entice the Jazz. Moreover, the Lakers and Jazz previously agreed to a deal back in 2021 that included Russell Westbrook. With that recent history, it's not impossible for the two sides to come to terms on another big in-season trade that could transform the Lakers' season like it did then.

Kessler, paired with Davis, would form an elite frontcourt pairing that could shut down the paint and help turn the Lakers, who ranked 16th in defensive rating last season, into a top-five defense. Additionally, Clarkson would add more shooting, helping the Lakers, who ranked 28th in 3-point attempts per game last year modernize their offense.

Giving up a top-3 protected first-round pick in 2029, a top-3 protected pick swap in 2030, and a 2030 second-round pick for both players make sense for the Lakers but the Jazz may want more, potentially including rookie Dalton Knecht.

The Lakers would likely bulk at that deal but they do have a few other pieces that they could include to try and sweeten the pot for Utah. All in all, the Jazz makes perfect sense as trade partners for the Lakers. But if the rumors are true, then the Lakers will have to work harder to try and convince them to trade Kessler if Los Angeles hopes to improve their roster this season.