Among the centers the Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly been interested in or have tried to acquire in recent months, Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz ranks somewhere near the top of that list.
At age 23, he is a monstrous rebounder and shot-blocker, and while he isn’t an offensive threat, he can convert lob passes into easy baskets near the rim.
He was apparently unavailable via trade prior to February’s trade deadline, but according to a recent report, the Jazz will be open to trade talks involving him. However, Lakers beat writer Jovan Buha poured some cold water on any real hope fans may have about landing Kessler.
During a recent episode of “Buha’s Block,” Buha cast doubt on the Lakers’ ability to land him, given their limited trade assets.
“I just don’t know if the Lakers have the requisite assets to get Walker Kessler, but I think he’s likely available for the right price,” Buha said. “I just think that price is very high, and I don’t know if the Lakers can get to it.”
One has to assume that Utah would demand big-time draft compensation for Kessler, especially since Kessler will make just $4.9 million next season. The Lakers only have one future first-round draft pick available for use in a trade, according to NBA rules, although they can also offer two future second-round picks and up to five future first-round pick swaps.
Kessler, who is seven feet tall and weighs 245 pounds, averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks a game and led the league in offensive rebounds per game this season.
