It’s a familiar situation for the Lakers: they face a crucial decision as the trade deadline approaches. In the next week, the front office must decide whether to invest heavily to boost their chances of a dep playoff run or hold off in hopes of a better future. There should be no middle ground here.
The Lakers have found themselves in a precarious position, caught between trying to improve in the present while still safeguarding their future. This balancing act has produced minimal success on either front, leaving them in a tough spot — limbo.
Recent trends suggest the Lakers will likely continue trying to manage two timelines simultaneously. In that case, the best move before next Thursday’s deadline is to acquire a player who can help now and in the years to come: Walker Kessler.
Kessler, a seven-footer, could be the perfect player to assist LeBron James and Anthony Davis now while also serving as a foundational piece for the team’s future. However, securing him won’t be simple.
It’s uncertain if the Utah Jazz will even entertain trading Kessler. Some reports have dampened speculation, suggesting he is “as close to unavailable as it gets.” Yet, if there’s a way to make a deal happen, the Lakers should aggressively pursue it. This might even involve offering both of their tradable first-round picks (2029 and 2031) and possibly waiving the protections on their 2027 pick owed to Utah.
Yes, this is a lot to give up for a player who hasn’t been an all-star. But let’s break down why it makes sense and could be worthwhile.
Short-Term Impact
After some early-season struggles, the Lakers are on the verge of securing home-court advantage in a highly competitive Western Conference. Their star players remain among the league’s best, and a midseason trade for Dorian Finney-Smith has sparked a defensive surge. For the first time in years, the Lakers are gaining some serious momentum.
Still, there are gaps in the roster, especially at the center position. While Anthony Davis has been outstanding as the team’s primary center, their backups have struggled to provide similar defensive impact. The likes of Jaxson Hayes and their bigs on two-way contracts have not come close to matching Davis’ rim protection. Opponents are shooting better and getting to the rim more often when Davis is off the court, a trend that will likely intensify with Davis’ expected absence due to an abdominal strain.
Davis himself has long advocated for the Lakers to add another big man, and he reiterated this in a recent interview, stating, “I think we need another big. I feel like I’ve always been at my best when I’ve been a four and having a big out there. We know it worked when we won a championship with JaVale and Dwight, them at the five and I’m at the four.”
While there are other center options available, Kessler would be the ideal fit. He would allow Davis to play in his more natural position while also providing rim protection when Davis is off the floor.
Kessler has already established himself as one of the league’s top rim protectors. His size and defensive instincts make him a formidable presence, and he’s ranked second in the league for blocks. His defense would allow Davis to focus on other areas, such as the perimeter defense, and give him the freedom to create havoc on the court without having to bang with opposing centers.
In addition to his defense, Kessler is a strong offensive contributor. He excels at rebounding, especially on the offensive glass, where he leads the league in second-chance opportunities. He’s also a highly efficient scorer around the rim, with a 77% shooting percentage, and ranks in the 98th percentile among bigs in points per shot attempt.
The best part? Acquiring Kessler would not harm the Lakers’ current depth, as his small $2.9 million salary could be matched with one of their minimum contracts. This means they would gain Kessler without losing any key players.
Kessler would address the Lakers’ long-standing issues, add a new dimension to their roster, and create one of the most fearsome defensive tandems in recent memory.
Long-Term Outlook
Kessler is a unique trade target for the Lakers because he offers both immediate and long-term value. He has one more cost-controlled year left on his contract ($4.8 million) before entering restricted free agency in 2026-27. This is crucial for a team navigating tight salary cap space.
By acquiring Kessler now, the Lakers would not only have a solid replacement for Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood when their contracts expire next summer, but they would also have the option to retain Kessler long-term with his Bird Rights.
Kessler’s contract situation aligns well with LeBron James’ potential future decisions. Whether James stays or leaves, the Lakers have already started to build around Davis as their franchise centerpiece, which is the right move. Trading for Kessler would not only fulfill Davis’ desire for another big but could also provide long-term insurance by lessening Davis’ physical workload and extending his career.
Kessler’s youth (just 23) makes him a valuable asset for the future. He would be entering his prime when Davis’ current contract ends in 2028. If the Lakers ever need to rebuild, Kessler could be flipped to recoup assets, something that may not be possible with other centers they might acquire.
For instance, Myles Turner would be a great fit offensively with Davis and fills several of the team’s needs. However, at 28 years old, Turner’s impending contract demands (over $30 million annually) could lead to an aging deal that might not look as favorable in the long run.
For those concerned about the Lakers trading away valuable first-round picks for Kessler, it’s important to remember that the team still has picks in 2026, 2027 (if protections are not removed), 2028, and 2030 to continue adding young talent.
While the Lakers are clearly in need of a center, Kessler stands out as the only player who could bridge the gap between now and the future.
Rob Pelinka knows it takes two teams to make a deal, and while it’s likely Kessler will remain with the Jazz after the deadline, all it takes is one offer they can’t refuse.
This trade deadline could be the most significant one of the LeBron James and Anthony Davis era. The Lakers can no longer afford to sit in the middle. It’s time to make a bold move.
Stats courtesy of Cleaning the Glass unless otherwise noted.
