Lakers linked to Jazz's $13.3 million shot-blocking stud again

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Lakers linked to Jazz's $13.3 million shot-blocking stud again originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Moving forward, it won’t be uncommon for the Los Angeles Lakers to be linked to intriguing free agents on several occasions.

Take the Utah Jazz’s 7-foot-2 shot-blocking stud, for instance. Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley named the former first-round pick as a top trade target for the Lakers on May. 12. Fast forward to May. 22, and the Auburn product’s name was attached to Los Angeles once again.

“The deal I'd offer (Walker Kessler): Four years, $125 million,” Marks wrote Friday. “The contract starts at $28 million and puts Kessler in the top 10 highest-paid centers next season. The first-year salary would give Utah the flexibility to use all of its $15 million non-tax midlevel exception. Best fits: Utah (Jazz), Atlanta (Hawks), Lakers.”

Kessler, who’s set to become a restricted free agent, could land with the Lakers via a sign-and-trade. The Lakers should be prepared for Utah to put up a fight to retain Kessler, though, considering he’s a monumental part of the Jazz’s core and is on an upward trajectory.

Kessler’s 2025-26 season unfortunately ended in October due to a shoulder injury. Still, the 24-year-old’s near-automatic finishing around the rim and stout rim protection were apparent in the five games he appeared in.

Kessler contributed 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game, shooting 70.3% from the field. Needless to say, the Lakers should keep tabs on the former All-Rookie center throughout the summer and be prepared to take him off the market if the right opportunity presents itself.

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