The Los Angeles Lakers have renewed their interest in restricted free agent Walker Kessler, who reportedly turned down a $140 million extension with the Utah Jazz. According to The Ringer’s J. Kyle Mann, Los Angeles is among the teams “kicking around” at the prospects of landing Kessler amid his rumored standoff with the Jazz.
“I think you could see some teams across the league who are in need of maybe an asset that be ‘distressed’ that they maybe think could perform what they might end up having to pay for him,” Mann said on The Zach Lowe Show in Tuesday’s episode. “I’ve heard teams like the Lakers kicking [his name] around.”
Before Mann mentioned the Lakers, The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported on Monday that Kessler was frustrated with the Jazz not offering him a deal last summer and how they are handling his free agency this offseason.
On Tuesday, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon added that the Utah Jazz offered him $140 million over five years, which the soon-to-be fifth-year center rejected. MacMahon said that Kessler’s camp wanted significantly more money than that.
The Lakers are the only contender with cap space available this offseason. They can outbid the Jazz if they are hellbent on acquiring Walker Kessler. However, Utah will have the right to match the offer sheet as the center is a restricted free agent.
It’s also uncertain if the Lakers will go over the Jazz’s current offer, as they have to plan for Austin Reaves’ extension, LeBron James’ potential return and Rui Hachimura’s unrestricted free agency.
Walker Kessler remains the ideal fit alongside Lakers superstar Luka Doncic
The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Deandre Ayton to fill their starting center void alongside Luka Doncic last summer. Ayton had significant ups and downs. He wasn’t exactly the kind of center Doncic wants as the former Arizona star works mainly on the short roll. On the other hand, Walker Kessler has more traditional center qualities.
The former lottery pick is one of the best screen-and-roll bigs. Kessler is also one of the better rebounders and shot blockers in the NBA. In his four years, the 7-foot-2 big man has averaged 2.4 blocks per game in 201 appearances.
The Lakers have lacked such a presence since Anthony Davis’ departure. Ayton’s lack of motor and inability to play to his size at all times remained an issue this year.
The Lakers have previously shown interest in Kessler, but the Jazz’s asking price has been on the higher end, starting with at least two first-round picks. The Lakers have three to trade this year, but it’s unlikely they use two of those on one role player, even if Utah is willing to do a sign-and-trade.
Read more:
- Isiah Thomas Drops Truth Bomb on Older Generation Hating LeBron James for Enabling Superteams
- Amid Lionel Messi Hat-Trick, Jalen Brunson Gets Compared to Argentine Legend by Skip Bayless
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in the NBA, college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
