The trade rumors circling the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz forward-center Walker Kessler gained even more traction over the past day. It had already seemed like the Lakers were done making trade moves, but now it looks like they are back on the quest to acquire the Jazz’s defensive machine.
However, there seems to be an impediment preventing the Lakers from pursuing a deal for Kessler. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Lakers have been trying to negotiate a deal for the Atlanta native, but the Jazz’s asking price proves too steep, making it hard for both teams to come to terms.
“The Lakers have been active in that trade market, to go find a center in the marketplace,” Charania told Stephen A. Smith on First Take. “Every time they call for Walker Kessler in Utah, that asking price is really high, so that front office is trying to make calls and do due diligence. But at the end of the day, it takes two teams to tango, and they have not been able to find a deal as of yet.”
“Every time [the Lakers] call on Walker Kessler in Utah, that asking price is really high.” pic.twitter.com/ZrRiWoq4dv
— pickuphoop (@pickuphoop) January 23, 2025
Charania did not reveal the Utah Jazz’s asking price for Kessler, but said they are likely interested in Dalton Knecht and at least two first-round picks, which is indeed a steep cost.
The Lakers and the Jazz have been trade partners before, negotiating a deal for Russell Westbrook at the 2023 trade deadline. This time, however, Utah has a bigger stake, with Kessler being one of their best prospects.
The 23-year-old center is averaging 11.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks this season. He would be a great fit next to Anthony Davis if they are looking to replicate their success in their 2019-20 championship season.
Lakers fans willing to trade Dalton Knecht for Walker Kessler
The center position has been a focal point for the Lakers, with Walker Kessler’s name prominently surfacing in trade talks. However, acquiring him will be a tall order as the Jazz holds him in high regard. Interestingly, the Jazz management showed interest in Dalton Knecht, who is LeBron James’ protégé.
The Lakers are in dire need of a big man apart from Anthony Davis, and some of their fans have expressed their willingness to give up Knecht for Kessler.
A fan on the Lakers subreddit asked the members if they are fine with trading Knecht for Kessler, and most of the answers say yes. One Reddit user said that Kessler plays a more difficult-to-fill role as a two-way player, while another member noted that Knecht’s shooting has dropped after a month.
Knecht is currently averaging 9.2 points on 45.6% shooting including 34.9% from the three-point arc. He has also tallied an average of 3.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 0.4 steals.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
