The Los Angeles Lakers don’t have the best frontcourt situation in the NBA, but they’re making it work until free agency begins.
In the offseason, the organization may swap a promising young rookie stud for an electric Utah Jazz star big man to assist Jaxson Hayes.
After the trade for Mark Williams fell through, the Lakers made a similar offer now to get another young franchise center,” Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz wrote Monday.
“(Walker) Kessler, 23, is a massive presence in the middle who’s averaging a double-double (11.6 points, 12.4 rebounds) while swatting 2.4 shots a game and leading the NBA in field goal percentage (72.7%).”
Utah may not be shopping Kessler, although a future unprotected first and a good prospect in (Dalton) Knecht (14.3 points, 39.3% from three as a starter) should at least start a conversation.”
Swartz’s trade proposal would send Knecht and an unprotected 2031 first-round pick to the Jazz for Kessler.
While the Jazz haven’t made any noise in the Western Conference this season, Kessler has undoubtedly increased his trade value.
The Auburn product has been highly productive as a consistent starter for Utah, efficiently getting the job done nightly while playing 30.4 minutes per game.
The 7-foot center’s ability to dominate in the low post with his patented jump hook, make himself available as a lob threat in pick-and-roll situations, and erase shots around the rim would give Los Angeles a standout center with a noticeably high upside to pair with Hayes.
Knecht, slated to join the Charlotte Hornets last month, has flashed potential with the Lake Show as a confident and mature 32-year-old rookie.
However, with the Lakers failing to acquire Williams in February, the franchise would be wise to target a high-level big-man asset in Kessler this summer.
