The Los Angeles Lakers, fresh off a blockbuster offseason that saw them acquire former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton, are not resting on their laurels. Despite adding the talented big man to their roster, the Lakers have their sights set on another rising star in the frontcourt: Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, who will enter restricted free agency (RFA) in the summer of 2026. This bold strategy, which seems unthinkable given Ayton’s presence, underscores the Lakers’ relentless pursuit of championship contention alongside superstars Luka Dončić and LeBron James.
A Persistent Pursuit of Walker Kessler
According to Lakers Daily’s Ashish Mathur, the Lakers have been eyeing Kessler for multiple seasons and plan to revisit trade opportunities for the 24-year-old center during the 2025-26 NBA season. “A league source told Lakers Daily that the Lakers will attempt to trade for Kessler again during the 2025-26 season. LAL tried to trade for Kessler the past two seasons,” Mathur reported. This persistent interest highlights Kessler’s appeal as a defensive anchor and rebounding force, qualities that could complement the Lakers’ star-studded lineup.
Kessler, who averaged an impressive 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 66% from the field last season, has emerged as one of the league’s premier young big men. His defensive prowess and ability to control the glass make him an ideal fit for a Lakers team looking to solidify its frontcourt. Despite their recent acquisition of Ayton, the Lakers see Kessler as a potential cornerstone, capable of elevating their roster to championship caliber.
Kessler’s Contract Situation and Utah’s Stance
The Utah Jazz, however, view Kessler as a foundational piece of their rebuilding efforts. According to The Athletic’s Tony Jones, the Jazz and Kessler did not reach a contract extension this offseason, setting the stage for his restricted free agency in 2026. By not signing Kessler to an extension now, Utah maintains financial flexibility with a projected $14.9 million cap hold for Kessler next summer. This allows the Jazz to operate in free agency while retaining the ability to exceed the salary cap to re-sign Kessler using his Bird rights.
“By not signing Kessler now, he would have a cap hold of $14.9 million next summer, which would give the Jazz enough space to keep Kessler’s hold and still do work in free agency. Then, the Jazz and Kessler theoretically can come to an agreement,” Jones explained. Utah’s commitment to Kessler complicates the Lakers’ pursuit, as the Jazz are unlikely to let their young star walk without significant compensation.
Lakers’ Financial Flexibility and Trade Assets
The Lakers are well-positioned to make a bold move for Kessler, thanks to their projected financial flexibility in the 2026 offseason. With LeBron James’ $52.6 million player option set to expire and Austin Reaves’ $14.9 million option also coming off the books, the Lakers could free up as much as $100 million in cap space. This gives them the ability to offer Kessler a substantial contract or structure a sign-and-trade deal if Utah is unwilling to lose him for nothing.
Additionally, Deandre Ayton’s $8.1 million player option for the 2026-27 season adds another layer of complexity. If Ayton performs well in Los Angeles, he could opt out and command a significantly larger deal on the open market. This potential departure could open the door for Kessler to step in as the Lakers’ long-term solution at center, making their pursuit of the Jazz big man a strategic hedge against Ayton’s uncertain future.
The Lakers also have draft capital to sweeten a potential trade. With access to an additional first-round pick in 2026, along with their 2031 or 2032 selection, Los Angeles could meet Utah’s reported asking price of at least two first-round picks, as noted by Hoopshype’s Michael Scotto. This marks a shift from previous seasons, when the Lakers were unable to meet the Jazz’s steep demands, as ESPN’s Shams Charania reported: “They’ve tried to get Walker Kessler many times; they have not been able to meet that steep price.”
A Championship Vision with Dončić and James
The Lakers’ offseason moves were centered around Luka Dončić, who signed a three-year, $165 million extension this summer. With Dončić and James as the cornerstones of their roster, the Lakers are focused on maximizing their championship window. Adding a player of Kessler’s caliber could provide the defensive stability and rebounding needed to complement their offensive firepower.
Lakers president Rob Pelinka emphasized the team’s aggressive approach to roster-building, stating, “If a transaction comes to us that leads to sustaining Lakers’ excellence and puts us in a position to increase our odds of winning a championship, we would put future draft capital into making that move.” Kessler’s ability to protect the rim and dominate the boards makes him a prime target to elevate the Lakers’ contending roster.
The Ayton Factor: A Bold but Calculated Risk
The Lakers’ interest in Kessler, despite having Ayton on the roster, raises questions about their long-term plans at the center position. Ayton, a former top pick with immense potential, was expected to anchor the Lakers’ frontcourt. However, his $8.1 million player option introduces uncertainty, as a breakout season could lead him to seek a lucrative deal elsewhere. By targeting Kessler, the Lakers are preparing for multiple scenarios, ensuring they have a high-upside center to pair with Dončić and James, whether or not Ayton remains in Los Angeles.
This bold plan reflects the Lakers’ willingness to take calculated risks to build a championship-caliber team. Kessler’s youth, defensive impact, and cost-controlled contract (as an RFA) make him an attractive long-term investment, even if it means navigating a crowded frontcourt in the short term.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ pursuit of Walker Kessler, despite the presence of Deandre Ayton, is a testament to their aggressive and forward-thinking approach to roster construction. With significant cap space, draft capital, and a clear vision for contending with Luka Dončić and LeBron James, the Lakers are poised to make a splash in the 2026 offseason. Whether through a trade or a sign-and-trade deal, acquiring Kessler could solidify their frontcourt for years to come, ensuring they remain a force in the NBA’s championship race. This unthinkable move, while bold, could prove to be the key to sustaining Lakers’ excellence.