Walker Kessler has long looked like an ideal fit for the Lakers. The problem was never basketball—it was Utah’s asking price. That may finally be changing, and the Lakers may get their chance to grab their center of the future.
According to Lakers insider Jovan Buha, Kessler’s season-ending injury has lowered his market value potentially into the Lakers’ price range.
“He’s not going to be as coveted on the market, which could lower that price for Utah. It could also allow LA to step in and make a competitive offer for him, depending on their cap situation.”
Utah has reportedly asked for two first-round picks as a starting point for trade discussions regarding Walker Kessler. But his shoulder surgery introduces uncertainty, particularly with him being a restricted free agent. Teams are far less eager to commit multiple first-round picks or tie up cap space when they are uncertain what they are paying for. Nobody knows for certain if he’ll return as the same player or if this injury will be a recurring issue.
The price will realistically drop to one first-round draft pick, or even multiple second-rounders. For the Lakers, that difference is massive—and well worth exploring for a potential long-term solution at center.
How Kessler Fits the Lakers
Kessler gives the Lakers dependable rim protection. He has the size to compete with the league’s bulkiest centers. He plays disciplined drop coverage, blocks shots, deters drives, and finishes possessions on the glass. That alone would stabilize a defense that is weaker on the perimeter.
The backcourt of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves is elite offensively, but has weaknesses on defense. In order to make up for that weakness on the perimeter, you need an elite rim protector in the paint. That’s where Kessler comes in. He gives the Lakers more room for error, knowing they have someone reliable to erase their mistakes if their rotations aren’t perfect.
Kessler won’t be expected to do much offensively. When you have elite creators like Luka Doncic and LeBron James, that’s not necessary. But he does have some value on that end. He sets real screens, rolls hard, finishes lobs, and converts the easy looks elite creators generate.
The Limitations
Kessler isn’t a stretch five, which is not ideal on a team coached by JJ Redick. And he can’t effectively switch onto guards on the perimeter. The Lakers will be forced to play a more traditional style of basketball and likely be in drop coverage when he’s on the floor. But the Lakers have been effective in centerless lineups when necessary. Walker Kessler gives them a viable option to play a more traditional, less taxing brand of defense in most matchups.
The Bottom Line
Players like Walker Kessler rarely hit the market at a discount. If his injury history has genuinely softened his market, this may be one of the few windows where a center of his age and defensive impact becomes attainable. If the Lakers are serious about building a contender around Luka, this is the type of opportunity they need to pounce on.
