Lakers have 'interest' in $13.3 million Jazz seven-footer, per new report

The Los Angeles Lakers are in the market for a scoring guard or wing in addition to a center.

The Lakers might keep rolling with the roster as currently constructed if the wins continue (2-0 start entering Saturday), and there is a benefit to waiting to see how the market shakes out with various players' performances.

According to a new report from Bleacher Report’s Jack Murray, Los Angeles’ front office will be closely monitoring a seven-foot center from the Utah Jazz in the coming weeks.

“The Los Angeles Lakers may not make a trade anytime soon, but there is at least one player they have some level of interest in as the 2024-25 NBA season gets underway,” Murray said.

“Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported that the Lakers have some interest in Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler and that he could be a name to watch as the campaign rolls along.”

“Kessler is in his third NBA season and is coming off of a 2023-24 campaign in which he averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 64 games. He has split his time as a starter and reserve to this point in his career but has started both of Utah's games to start this season.”

“His seven-foot frame would provide some much-needed height to the Lakers roster. Anthony Davis is currently being deployed at center and he could potentially shift to power forward if Kessler was acquired. If he were to remain in a bench role, it would at least provide some strong depth behind Davis and give head coach JJ Redick some more lineup flexibility.”

“While the Lakers will certainly keep an eye on Kessler and the overall trade market, the team's 2-0 start should at least signal that it won't rush to make a move too soon.”

Kessler is in the third year of his four-year, $13.3 million rookie contract.

Will the Lakers ultimately make a trade with Utah for the former No. 22 overall pick?

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