Lakers have reportedly made trade offer for Walker Kessler
There have been rumors connecting Jazz center Walker Kessler with the Lakers for quite some time.
At the trade deadline, the chatter was at an all-time high, but once Los Angeles traded for Luka Dončić, Kessler was no longer mentioned as a target for the Lakers.
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With the offseason here and L.A. still in desperate need of an upgrade at the five, the Lakers have reportedly remained interested in Kessler.
In the latest episode of 'Locked on Jazz,' Utah beat writer Andy Larsen mentioned the Lakers making a trade offer for Kessler.
'I think there's been an offer presented for Walker Kessler. And, certainly the Lakers have shown significant interest all the way back to the deadline, certainly continuing now. And him being their future of the center, giving up multiple picks to get there, that is on the table right now. I don't know if the Jazz take it. Certainly, they haven't so far.'
While there appears to be an offer on the table for Kessler by the Lakers, no need to Photoshop him in a purple and gold uniform just yet.
Larsen later took to social media to clarify his comments further, stating that nothing has progressed to the serious stages of negotiation.
The Lakers making trade offers proves they are serious about acquiring Kessler.
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It demonstrates that the President of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka, is holding true to his word regarding leaving 'no stone unturned' as he looks for ways to upgrade L.A.'s frontcourt.
It seems a deal is still far from a foregone conclusion, but having these negotiations is certainly a step towards making a trade happen.
The reason Kessler remains an intriguing option for the Lakers is that he is a young center already showing promise and has an unknown ceiling.
In his three NBA seasons, Kessler has proven to be an elite shot-blocker, all-around rim protector and offensive producer.
Kessler was second-best in the league in rejections, averaging 2.4 a game. Only Victor Wembanyama had more blocks this season.
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He has also improved each year he's been in Utah. This past season, Kessler averaged a double-double with 11.1 points and 12.2 rebounds while playing in 58 games for the Jazz.
Given that Kessler is still on his rookie contract and set to make $4.8 million this year, the Lakers won't have trouble matching salaries to trade for him.
However, the Jazz will certainly want as many picks as possible to give up a big with such a high upside, especially since they are right in the middle of a rebuild.
We'll see if talks accelerate any further and if the Lakers have enough draft picks to entice the Jazz to make a move.
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