Los Angeles Lakers LeBron James vs the Utah Jazz (Image via Getty) The Los Angeles Lakers have been connected to a possible trade for Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler as the team weighs its current title push against an uncertain future. Los Angeles is 33-21, leads the Pacific Division, and is building around Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton. With James on an expiring contract and expected to reach free agency in 2026, the front office has reason to look for younger players who can contribute now and remain part of the roster later.Kessler fits that profile. He is productive, still early in his career, and under team control for the short term. Several teams are monitoring his situation, but the Lakers stand out because of their need for interior defense and long-term stability at center.
Teams moving in different directions
The Los Angeles Lakers are competing near the top of the Western Conference and are focused on strengthening a playoff roster. Planning ahead matters with James’ future unresolved, and adding a younger impact player would help reduce the risk of a major drop-off if he leaves.Utah is in a rebuild. The Jazz are 18-38 and sit 13th in the West despite strong scoring from Lauri Markkanen and a roster filled with recent first-round picks. Defense has been a problem for two straight seasons, and reported tension around Kessler’s extension, believed to be in the nine-figure range over five years, has increased the chances that the team could move him.On the court, Walker Kessler is averaging roughly 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting above 70 percent from the field with true shooting over 78 percent. His rim protection remains his main value, which explains why contenders are paying attention.
What a realistic deal could look like
A trade would likely focus on young talent and draft picks rather than a core player.Possible structure:- Los Angeles Lakers receive: Walker Kessler- Utah Jazz receive: • A young rotation player on a rookie-scale contract • A salary-matching veteran on a short or mid-range deal • At least one future first-round pick and a second-round pickKessler’s current salary makes matching contracts manageable. Utah would prioritize long-term assets, while the Lakers are unlikely to move Dončić, James, Ayton, or other key contributors if the goal is to compete this season.The framework could expand depending on negotiations. Utah might try to include another veteran contract, and Los Angeles could add a minimum-salary player or pick swap to finalize value.
Why the trade works for both teams
Walker Kessler (Image via NBA)
– Lakers: Kessler would improve interior defense and rebounding, allowing perimeter defenders to pressure the ball more often. He also gives the team another starting-level center next to Ayton, creating lineup flexibility and injury insurance. His timeline matches Dončić’s prime years, which helps the franchise plan beyond the James era.- Jazz: Moving Kessler would turn a pending extension into draft capital and a developmental player. It would also ease a crowded frontcourt that includes Jusuf Nurkić, Kevin Love, Taylor Hendricks, and Kyle Filipowski. The move would better align with a young perimeter group featuring Keyonte George, Isaiah Collier, Cody Williams, Ace Bailey, Brice Sensabaugh, and Walter Clayton Jr..
Numbers that frame the potential fit
Team and player snapshots (2025-26, mid-February)
Team context
TeamRecordWest RankOff rating / rankDef rating / rankNet rating / rank Los Angeles Lakers 33-21 Top-6 in West, 1st Pacific Offensive unit driven by Dončić (32.8 PPG, 8.6 APG) Around league average with room to grow inside Positive, playoff-caliber differential Utah Jazz 18-38 13th in West, 5th Northwest 118.3 PPG (top-10 level scoring) 125.9 PPG allowed, bottom-tier defense Net rating around -7.7, near bottom of league
Key individual numbers
Player / TeamPTSREBASTFG%TS%Notes Walker Kessler (UTA) 14.4 10.8 3.0 70.3% 78.6%+ Efficient roll man, elite finisher and rim protector in 2025-26. Luka Dončić (LAL) 32.8 – 8.6 High-usage star efficiency – Leads L.A. in scoring, playmaking, and steals (1.5 SPG). Deandre Ayton (LAL) – 8.5 – – – Team’s top rebounder and primary traditional big.Kessler scores mostly on high-percentage attempts such as lobs, dunks, and short rolls, making him a strong fit next to a ball-dominant creator like Dončić. Utah allowing 125.9 points per game also raises the question of whether committing major money to one defensive center makes sense during a rebuild.
Pros and cons for each side
Pros for the Los Angeles Lakers
• Stronger paint defense. • Adds a young core player. • Greater lineup flexibility with two starting-caliber centers.
Cons for the Lakers
• Likely cost includes a first-round pick and a young contributor. • Future salary pressure if Kessler signs a large extension. • Possible overlap with another traditional center.
Pros for the Utah Jazz
• Gains draft assets before an expensive extension. • Clears minutes in the frontcourt. • Maintains financial flexibility.
Cons for the Jazz
• Defense could decline further without a proven rim protector. • Continued rebuilding may test fan patience. • Draft picks carry uncertainty.
Impact on LeBron’s future
Trading for Kessler would show that the Lakers remain focused on competing while James is still under contract. It would also leave the team with a younger foundation if he decides to leave in 2026.
Who benefits?
In the short term, the Lakers would likely improve by adding an efficient young center without breaking up their core. Utah’s outcome would depend on how the incoming assets develop compared to Kessler’s progress.Also read: NBA trade rumors: Los Angeles Clippers predicted to cut ties with $152.4 million superstar prior offseason after blockbuster James Harden departureThe deal has a clear logic for both sides, immediate help for a contender and long-term value for a rebuilding team.