Lakers Reportedly Showing Trade Interest in Star Western Conference Center

The Los Angeles Lakers have started out the new NBA season with three straight wins over quality opponents. This team has looked the part so far but they still will likely need to make an update at the trade deadline.

Los Angeles hardly made any moves over the offseason, relying on a coaching change to figure things out. Former NBA guard JJ Redick has taken over and changed the entire culture of the organization.

It has worked through the first few games but for the Lakers to reach their ultimate goal of winning another title, they will likely need more talent. Los Angeles has a few draft picks to work with, potentially giving them some ammo down the line.

It seems that the front office may already be looking around the NBA for some help. According to Lakers insider Jovan Buha of The Athletic, Los Angeles has their eyes on a star center from a Western Conference rival.

“I think we need more time to see which guys become available,” Buha said. “Walker Kessler is a name that the Lakers have been interested in that would make a lot of sense and would allow you to either start a two-big look or probably more realistically bring him off the bench.”

The Utah Jazz aren’t likely to contend this season, making Kessler one of the more available big men on the market. Utah dangled him in trade talks over the offseason so it seems like his days with the Jazz may be numbered.

Los Angeles could see a player like Kessler to help boost their overall frontcourt depth. Behind star big man Anthony Davis, the Lakers are fairly thin, especially with some early season injuries to Christian Wood and Jared Vanderbilt.

Kessler could help the Lakers immensely, giving them size and rebounding on the floor. He emerged for the Jazz during his rookie season as a defensive specialist, something that the Lakers could use.

Last season, Kessler averaged 8.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. He could learn from Davis, helping to hone in his defensive skillset.

It would probably take at least one first-round draft pick to land Kessler as the Jazz view him highly. But the Lakers could always try to net him in a larger deal that could help shore up multiple holes in one move.

While it remains to be seen what the Lakers will ultimately do, Los Angeles seems to be eyeing the trade market as they prepare for the long season ahead.

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