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President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during a press conference at UCLA Health Training Center.
The Los Angeles Lakers may have received a boost in their pursuit of Walker Kessler after the Utah Jazz center admitted frustration with the team’s decision not to extend him this offseason.
“I don’t want to talk about it after today, just because I think during the season — with training camp starting tomorrow — I don’t want to be a distraction for me or for my teammates,” Kessler told reporters during Monday’s media day. “That being said, I’m definitely a little frustrated with how things have gone. But regardless, I love Utah, I love the fan base, I love my teammates, I love the coaches. As long as I have a Utah Jazz jersey on, I’m going to play winning basketball.”
Kessler, 23, enters the final year of his rookie deal as the longest-tenured player on the Jazz roster.
Jazz Cite Financial Flexibility
GettyUtah Jazz center Walker Kessler.
The Athletic’s Tony Jones reported that Utah still views Kessler as a franchise cornerstone, but financial considerations drove the decision to delay an extension.
“By not signing Kessler now, he would have a cap hold of $14.9 million next summer, which would give the Jazz enough space to keep Kessler’s hold and still do work in free agency,” Jones wrote last week. “Then, the Jazz and Kessler theoretically can come to an agreement.”
The Jazz retain leverage in negotiations with the ability to exceed the salary cap to re-sign Kessler using Bird rights. In restricted free agency, they will also have the right to match any offer sheet he receives from other teams.
Lakers Remain Interested
According to Lakers Daily’s Ashish Mathur, citing a league source, Los Angeles plans to renew trade talks for Kessler during the 2025-26 season. The Lakers had previously explored deals for the 7-foot-1 center but were unable to meet Utah’s asking price.
“They’ve tried to get Walker Kessler many times; they have not been able to meet that steep price,” ESPN’s Shams Charania said in January on NBA Countdown.
Michael Scotto of Hoopshype reported that Utah’s demands could include at least two first-round picks, a cost the Lakers have thus far declined to pay. Los Angeles will have additional draft assets available next summer, giving the front office more flexibility in potential trade talks.
Fit With the Lakers
Getty Deandre Ayton will benefit from playing alongside Luka Doncic in the Los Angeles Lakers.
Kessler averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks last season while shooting 66% from the field in 58 games. His rim protection and rebounding make him an attractive target for a Lakers team seeking long-term stability in the frontcourt.
The Lakers already signed former No. 1 pick DeAndre Ayton to start at center this offseason. But Ayton’s $8.1 million player option for 2026 creates uncertainty about his future, while Kessler’s youth and defensive profile could offer a more sustainable solution.
Lakers’ Cap Flexibility
Los Angeles is projected to be one of several teams with significant cap space in 2026. LeBron James’ $52.6 million player option expires, while Austin Reaves’ $14.9 million option and other expiring deals could free nearly $100 million in space.
That flexibility could allow the Lakers to pursue Kessler in free agency or structure a sign-and-trade if the Jazz are unwilling to let him walk without compensation.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
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