The Los Angeles Lakers made a blockbuster move by acquiring Luka Dončić, pairing him with LeBron James in a stunning trade. However, reports suggest the Lakers aren’t done making moves as they prepare for a future built around Dončić.
With an eye beyond the LeBron era, the team is expected to make additional roster adjustments in the offseason. An offseason trade proposed by Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz indicates what their next move could be.
Lakers Predicted to Pursue Walker Kessler Trade
Dončić is one of the NBA’s best facilitators, making a strong interior presence and lob threat a valuable addition to the Lakers’ lineup. While the team has plenty of shooting, defense remains an area of concern. To alleviate some of those concerns, reports suggest the Lakers could target Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler in the offseason.
To land Kessler, the Lakers would likely have to part with Dalton Knecht and a future unprotected first-round pick. The Lakers already showed that they are willing to trade Knecht, as they tried to do in a failed trade for Mark Williams. The main reason that trade did not go through was because Williams failed his physical test.
Adding Kessler would significantly bolster their interior defense and rim protection, and Utah’s depth in the frontcourt makes Kessler a primary target.
Kessler is averaging 11.5 points and 12.3 rebounds per game this season for the Jazz. On a four-year contract worth approximately $13 million, he represents a valuable asset that Utah may not be eager to move. As a result, the Lakers may need to sweeten their offer if they are serious about acquiring him.
If Utah is fortunate enough to win the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes in the upcoming NBA Draft lottery, things may change. While Flagg and Kessler play different positions and different styles, Utah may be more willing to part ways with the latter and pair Flagg with their star forward Lauri Markkanen and a bevy of young guards.
The Lakers’ offseason strategy will depend on how the remainder of this season unfolds. Underperforming players could become trade assets, and with multiple capable centers available across the league, Los Angeles will need to weigh its options carefully rather than over-committing to a single target.
Currently, the Lakers lack a true center, particularly with Jaxson Hayes sidelined due to injury. While this hasn’t significantly hurt them yet, their frontcourt depth could become an issue in a deep playoff run. If the Lakers fall short of an NBA championship, adding a player like Kessler will likely become a top priority.
For now, no NBA team can engage in trade negotiations, as the trade deadline has passed. The Lakers will have to wait until the offseason to make roster adjustments.