Lakers Target Young Center Walker Kessler in Trade Talks with Jazz
Los Angeles Lakers are actively seeking a new center this offseason, with Utah Jazz’s Walker Kessler emerging as their top target. Lakers’ president Rob Pelinka has reportedly made an initial trade offer for Kessler, which has been confirmed by Andy Larson from the Salt Lake Tribune. However, this offer falls short of what the Jazz require for a deal. Larson noted that the Lakers have consistently shown interest in Kessler, viewing him as a cornerstone for their future.
Despite several young centers, including Charlotte’s Mark Williams and Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton, being available, Pelinka appears focused on securing a long-term solution in Kessler. With superstar Luka Doncic expressing a desire to play alongside a rim-running center, the Lakers are motivated to finalize a meaningful trade. They hold future first-round picks and several contracts valued between $10-$20 million, a necessary asset for negotiations under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
However, Jazz executive Danny Ainge, known for his reluctance to negotiate with the Lakers, may complicate the pursuit unless the Jazz need to offload salary for other deals. As the offseason progresses, Lakers fans eagerly anticipate potential updates on this high-stakes trade scenario.
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