Lakers Receive Walker Kessler News Ahead of Free Agency
The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2025-26 season with championship aspirations after building their roster around Luka Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves. They finished 53-29, secured the fourth seed in the Western Conference and advanced to the second round before being eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Their regular starting lineup for much of the season featured Doncic, Reaves, James, Rui Hachimura and Deandre Ayton. Ayton's arrival during the offseason addressed one of the Lakers' biggest needs after the franchise spent months searching for a traditional center following the Anthony Davis trade.
However, before acquiring Ayton, who signed a two-year deal with the Lakers last summer, the franchise was heavily linked to Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler.
ESPN's Dave McMenamin reported last offseason that Los Angeles had explored a trade for the former first round pick. Kessler's rim protection, rebounding and ability to finish around the basket made him an attractive target for a team looking to build around Doncic.
Ultimately, the Lakers were unable to reach an agreement with Utah and pivoted to Ayton instead.
Ayton gave the Lakers solid production in his first season with the franchise, averaging 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds while shooting 67.1% from the field in 72 games. He brought stability to the center position, though there were stretches when his overall impact fell short of the expectations that come with being a former No. 1 overall pick.
On Monday, however, a new development involving Kessler emerged that could impact the Lakers' offseason plans.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, Kessler is at odds with the Jazz over the lack of an extension offer last summer and the team's current handling of his restricted free agency situation.
"Meanwhile, sources tell The Athletic that a player who does want to be there - big man Walker Kessler - is at odds with the front office over his lack of an extension offer last summer and the current handling of his restricted free agency."
Difficult day for the Jazz on the optics front: Here you have Darryn Peterson refusing to work out for the team with the No. 2 pick, one year after Ace Bailey did the same (when they had No. 5).
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) June 15, 2026
Meanwhile, sources tell @TheAthletic that a player who does want to be there - big…
The report is notable because Kessler has remained one of the most frequently discussed trade targets among Lakers fans. While his situation in Utah does not mean a trade is imminent, it will be interesting to see if the tension could reopen conversations that seemed closed when Los Angeles chose a different path last offseason.
At the moment, the Lakers appear committed to Ayton heading into next season, but Kessler's situation will be worth monitoring.
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This story was originally published June 15, 2026 at 3:55 PM.