Latest news with #WalkerKessler
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers rumors: Nick Wright predicts Austin Reaves' trade value after Desmond Bane deal
The post Lakers rumors: Nick Wright predicts Austin Reaves' trade value after Desmond Bane deal appeared first on ClutchPoints. In the wake of Desmond Bane's blockbuster trade to the Orlando Magic, sports analyst Nick Wright has raised questions about how the deal could reset the trade market for players like Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves. Advertisement On the latest episode of What's Wright? with Nick Wright, the FOX Sports host evaluated whether the Lakers could use Reaves in a multi-team trade to address their ongoing need at center, using Bane's trade package as a benchmark. 'If Desmond Bane is worth four first rounders,' Wright said, 'then is the Lakers real path to getting a center a three-team trade where Utah doesn't want Austin Reaves because they don't want to compete yet… but you flip Austin Reaves to a team that does want him and has a bunch of picks. Those picks go to Utah and Walker Kessler goes to the Lakers.' Wright continued, proposing a framework that puts Reaves' value just below Bane's, but ahead of many other non-All-Star level contributors. Advertisement 'If Desmond Bane's worth four first round picks, is Austin Reaves worth three and a half first round picks?' Wright asked. 'If Mikal Bridges goes for five firsts and Bane goes for four firsts then the price of controlled quality top-50, but not top-25 players has been set.' Lakers may leverage Austin Reaves' value after blockbuster Desmond Bane trade reshapes market Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The Lakers have long been linked to potential center upgrades, and Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz has emerged as a frequent trade target. A 7-footer known for his rim protection and rebounding, Kessler fits the mold of a starting-caliber big man that the Lakers reportedly want to pair with LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Advertisement Reaves, 27, is coming off a career-best season in his fourth year with the Lakers. He averaged 20.2 points, 5.8 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals while playing 34.9 minutes per game across 73 appearances. He shot 46% from the field and 37.7% from three, continuing to build on the breakout stretch he had in the 2023 NBA Playoffs. Reaves is under contract for $13.9 million for the 2025–26 season and holds a player option for the 2026–27 season worth $14.8 million. His production, age, and team-friendly contract have made him a valuable asset in trade discussions as the Lakers weigh roster changes following another early playoff exit. The Desmond Bane deal, which sent the 26-year-old guard to Orlando in exchange for Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, four unprotected first-round picks, and a pick swap, has recalibrated expectations for the value of high-level role players and borderline stars. Bane averaged 19.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists last season with the Memphis Grizzlies, shooting 48.4% from the field and 39.2% from beyond the arc. The parallels in production and role between Bane and Reaves have prompted speculation over whether the Lakers could now explore Reaves' trade value in a more aggressive pursuit of roster upgrades. Advertisement As the offseason continues, Reaves' name is likely to remain a topic of conversation among executives and analysts alike. Related: Lakers rumors: How new owner will be 'valuable resource' for LeBron James Related: Sources: Why Lakers rivals hoped Jeanie Buss would never sell franchise
USA Today
18 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Lakers have reportedly made a trade offer for Walker Kessler
Lakers have reportedly made a trade offer for Walker Kessler Just days from now, NBA teams will start signing free agents and making trades in preparation for the 2025-26 season. The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to be active, if not successful, on both the trade and free agent markets as they look to plug the holes on the roster. The biggest hole they need to plug is at the center position, where they had to try to get by with Jaxson Hayes, who may only be deserving of being a third-stringer on a championship team, as their starting 5. A few different big men have been linked to them, including Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz, a player they have reportedly been interested in for a while. Andy Larsen, a beat writer who covers the Jazz, said on the "Locked on Jazz" podcast that he thinks Los Angeles has made 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.' Larsen later made it clear on social media that there are no serious trade talks going on between the two teams, at least as far as he knows. According to Larsen, the Lakers have also talked to the Jazz about John Collins, a productive forward who averaged 19.0 points and 8.2 rebounds a game and shot 39.9% from 3-point range this season. Kessler seems to be the type of young, defensive-minded center who would be ideal for Los Angeles. He averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game this season, and while he isn't the most athletic big man around, he is capable of being a lob threat, which is something that would benefit Luka Doncic. Kessler will make just $4.9 million next season in the final year of his contract, so it would probably take plenty of draft compensation for any team to land him.
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers predicted to land $84,322,418 Utah Jazz duo to support LeBron-Luka power duo; Austin Reaves key trade asset?
Austin Reaves key trade asset for blockbuster deal with Utah Jazz (Image Source: Instagram/austinreaves12) The Los Angeles Lakers could make a major roster shakeup this offseason by trading fan-favorite Austin Reaves to acquire Utah Jazz standouts Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton . According to Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus, this move would address key weaknesses while giving the Jazz a promising young core in return. Why the Los Angeles Lakers Could Move On from Austin Reaves The Los Angeles Lakers have relied heavily on Austin Reaves as a secondary playmaker and scoring threat, but his limitations on defense and inconsistent shooting have raised questions about his long-term fit. Pincus suggests that trading Reaves could bring in much-needed reinforcements. "Lauri Markkanen was an All-Star two seasons back and was nearly as productive in 2023-24," Pincus wrote. "While his volume and efficiency plummeted this past season, a big part of the problem may have been his lack of support. Reaves would help alleviate that problem." (H/t: Sporting News) Proposed Trade Details Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton (Image via Getty) Here's the full trade scenario outlined by Pincus: Lakers Receive: - Walker Kessler (C) - Collin Sexton (PG) - No. 43 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft Jazz Receive: - Austin Reaves (SG) - Jarred Vanderbilt (PF) - Dalton Knecht (SG/SF) - 2030 first-round pick swap (top-three-protected) How Walker Kessler Elevates the Los Angeles Lakers' Frontcourt Walker Kessler, a 23-year-old center, would immediately bolster the Lakers' interior presence. His elite rim protection and efficient scoring make him an ideal fit alongside Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Walker Kessler's 2023-24 Stats: - 11.1 PPG - 12.2 RPG - 2.4 BPG - 66.3% FG Key Strengths: - Elite shot-blocker (7-foot-4 wingspan) - Strong pick-and-roll finisher - Reliable offensive rebounder Collin Sexton's Offensive Boost Collin Sexton, a dynamic 26-year-old guard, would provide scoring punch and three-point shooting—two areas where the Lakers struggled last season. Sexton's 2023-24 Stats: - 18.4 PPG - 4.2 APG - 48.0% FG - 40.6% 3PT Key Strengths: - Explosive slasher - Improved playmaking - High-energy defender What the Jazz Gain in This Deal For Utah, this trade accelerates their rebuild by adding young talent and future assets: - Reaves: A proven scorer and playmaker - Vanderbilt: Versatile defensive forward - Knecht: A promising rookie with scoring upside - Future pick flexibility This trade would be a gamble for the Los Angeles Lakers, but the potential payoff is significant. Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton fill critical needs, while Utah gets a solid return for two players who may not fit their long-term timeline. As Pincus notes, "The Lakers could offset some of the scoring void left by Reaves by adding Sexton, and they'd pick up another throw at the dart board with that mid-second-rounder." Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors could acquire $251,019,650 Phoenix Suns superstar to for Big 3 with Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler If the Lakers are serious about contending in 2025-26, this deal could be the bold move they need. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement 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. Advertisement You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ More from
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lakers-Jazz Trade Report Surfaces Days Before NBA Draft
Lakers-Jazz Trade Report Surfaces Days Before NBA Draft originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Los Angeles Lakers are in win-now mode. To be perfectly honest, they usually are year in and year out. With LeBron James and Luka Doncic on the team, there's much more pressure for the Lakers to build a contender around them. Advertisement That's why the Utah Jazz make sense as a trade partner: They are in a completely opposite situation from the Lakers. Because they are rebuilding, they have no need for win-now veterans on the roster. The Jazz have helped the Lakers before, as they bailed the Lakers out of the Russell Westbrook fiasco, but that came at a significant cost for the Lakers, as they traded a top-four protected pick in 2027 to make it work. Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick.© Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images As it turns out, the Lakers definitely have their eyes on a Jazz player: Walker Kessler. The Salt Lake Tribune's Andy Larsen revealed on Locked on Jazz that the Lakers are very much interested in the Jazz center while adding what they would put on the table. Advertisement "The Lakers have shown significant interest all the way back to the trade deadline," Larsen said. "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." This report comes just days before the June 25 NBA Draft that is expected to contain significant movement around the league. Kessler is up for an extension this summer, and the Jazz can decide whether he is part of their future or if they want to own the Lakers' draft capital for the foreseeable future. Related: Calls Mount for Mavericks to Trade Anthony Davis After New Report Related: Dwight Howard Receives Punishment Update for Fight With Lance Stephenson This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
