TRADE BREAKING: Lakers linked to trade for 1 top defensive center

Despite their surprise 3-0 start to the season, the Los Angeles Lakers may still be actively seeking ways to improve.

Lakers linked to trade for one top defensive center | Yardbarker

Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported over the weekend that the Lakers are interested in a possible trade for Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. Buha notes that Kessler could make sense for the team as either a starting 5 alongside Anthony Davis or as a bench big.

The 7-foot Kessler may only be 23 years old, but he is already known as one of the best young rim protectors in the league.

The No. 22 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Kessler has averaged 2.4 blocks per game over the course of his career and has been praised for his strong instincts as a defensive anchor.

Meanwhile, the Lakers have had Davis (who looks like an MVP candidate thus far with averages of 34.0 points and 11.0 rebounds per game) as their starting center with Rui Hachimura at the starting power forward spot and Jaxson Hayes as the first big man off the bench.

While that combination has worked very well so far, it might not be sustainable over the course of an 82-game NBA season, especially with Davis also being tasked with serving as the team’s defensive cornerstone.

Kessler, who is still on his rookie contract for this season and next season, has long been rumored as a possible trade candidate for the rebuilding Jazz and even got interest over the summer from another big-market juggernaut.

It should also be noted that the Jazz and Lakers have been trade partners before and that both franchises are relative strongholds for Klutch Sports.

Related Posts

WARRIORS DRAMA: Tensions rise in Golden State as Jonathan Kuminga’s frustration with his role escalates, sending shockwaves through the locker room. Sources hint at growing impatience and fiery exchanges that could impact team chemistry. Every practice and game is now under scrutiny as insiders speculate on possible moves. Whatever unfolds, the Warriors’ internal drama is heating up like never before..ll

Jonathan Kuminga remains frustrated with Steve Kerr and believes his development has been held back in Golden State.

📺 How to Watch Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets – Chase Center, ..ll

1️⃣ Check the Local Kickoff Time Game time: Check local time for your city. Chase Center is in Pacific Time (PT). Adjust if you’re watching from a…

🚨 UPDATE LATEST: Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets – at Chase Center..ll

🔥 Context & Pre-Game Pressure This is a familiar matchup: the Warriors and Rockets clashed in last season’s playoffs, where Houston was eliminated after a tough series….

Lakers Update: JJ Redick Reveals Deandre Ayton’s Expected Timeline For Return From Injury

Lakers head coach JJ Redick gives an estimated timeline on Deandre Ayton’s return from injury. Nov 23, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head…

✅ Bіg Move! Lakerѕ Sіgn Tall Forward to Team Uр Wіth Luka Doncіc

The Loѕ Angeleѕ Lakerѕ made headlіneѕ on Monday by makіng an unexрected, yet іntrіguіng roѕter move. Clutchрoіntѕ’ Brett ѕіegel waѕ among the ѕeveral journalіѕtѕ/іnѕіderѕ to reрort that the Lakerѕ had…

🔱KINGDOM!! Lakerѕ clіnch NBA Cuр grouр wіth vіctory over Clіррerѕ

A maѕterclaѕѕ from Luka Dončіć and a bіg fourth quarter led the Lakerѕ to a blowout wіn over the Clіррerѕ. The Lakerѕ clіnched the toр ѕрot іn…