Lakers could revisit Walker Kessler trade after almost acquiring him over the summer.

The Los Angeles Lakers will do anything to improve the team for the last leg of LeBron James’ career. According to NBA insider Anthony Irwin, they have been active in the trade market and could attempt to revisit a deal they failed to make a few months ago.

“[S]ources say the Lakers and Jazz got fairly close to a deal over the summer, but talks this year have been pretty inconsistent. One issue Utah has pointed to is that sending Kessler to pair with Davis would improve the Lakers front court not just this year, but, importantly, moving forward. Utah holds the Lakers’ ’27 first, top-four protected pick. Danny Ainge has expressed concern that Kessler would stop the Lakers from fully bottoming out as Davis ages and after LeBron James retires.”

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The Los Angeles Lakers have already made the first trade of the season but they may not be done yet. Last week, they acquired Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton in a trade for D’Angelo Russell and it helped address their needs on perimeter defense. But with limited depth in the frontcourt, the Lakers are also on the hunt for a center and that pursuit has already brought them to Walker Kessler.

Kessler, 23, was the 22nd overall pick in 2022 and he’s been with the Utah Jazz ever since. In two and a half seasons so far, Kessler is averaging 8.9 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game on 70.9% shooting. He’s been a solid two-way big man for the Jazz, who brings size, effort, and a major spark under the rim.

This summer, as the Lakers were looking for ways to improve the roster, Kessler was on their short list of potential trade candidates. He was someone who could have added depth to the frontcourt and allowed Davis to play at his preferred position (power forward).

Unfortunately, the Lakers didn’t have enough assets to lure the Jazz into making the trade. As it stands, they own the Lakers 2027 first-round pick and it would serve them better if they were bad so that it would convert into a high lottery pick.

For now, the Lakers will have to look elsewhere to find their next starting center but if the Jazz get desperate enough or the Lakers are willing to up their offer, it might be enough to re-launch trade negotiations.

At 18-13 this season, the Lakers have picked up some steam after a rough stretch of play. At 7th in the West, they’ve managed to pull themselves back into the Western Conference playoff picture, and with a few more tweaks, they might be able to challenge for a spot in the top six.

With only so many assets to give, the Lakers are working at a disadvantage on the trade market but the good news is that there are plenty of names available who can help them make a run. The only question now is, can they find the right guy in time to save their season?

After their battle against the Cavaliers tonight, the Lakers will face the Portland Trail Blazers on January 2nd at 10:30 PM EST. On Friday, January 3rd, they’ll play the Atlanta Hawks at 10:30 PM EST at Crypto.com arena. Finally, the Lakers play the Rockets at 7:00 PM EST at Toyota Center.