Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
ESPN Reporter Dave McMenamin dropped a huge batch of intel regarding Luka’s desire for a top-tier big man and a championship-caliber team, as well as who the Lakers may be targeting on the market.
Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
It’s no secret that this offseason will be one of the most important for the Lakers in recent memory. According to Dave McMenamin, a source close to Luka Doncic said that the Lakers told Luka and his camp the summer of ‘26 would be the one to look forward to. Well, it’s here, and there is immense pressure on the front office to deliver a championship-caliber team ready to contend for next season, per Luka’s expectations.
McMenamin reports that a source close to the Lakers told ESPN that the team has done its “due diligence” on several restricted free agents like Walker Kessler.
The Lakers have been linked to Walker Kessler for a few seasons now. He’s one of the best defensive and rebounding big men in the league.However, it seemed for a while that getting Kessler to L.A. would be a relatively tall task.Is Walker Kessler Worth the Investment?
If the Lakers were to acquire Kessler, it would come at a pretty steep price, potentially around the $30-35 million range per year. Kessler will enter his 5th season in the NBA at 24 years old, though he played only 5 games last year due to surgery on a torn labrum in his left shoulder. In the 2024-2025 season, he averaged an incredible 2.4 blocks per game, 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 66% from the field, and 4.6 offensive rebounds per game.
Then there’s the question of DeAndre Ayton. He has until June 29th to exercise his player option for the 2026-2027 season. Do the Lakers use him as a trade piece if he opts in, or are they fine allowing him to walk elsewhere if they’re not interested in signing him to a new deal?
Free agency begins June 30th and the Draft on the 23rd. It is possible that other trade targets or potential buyout players become available that fit the Lakers’ needs at the center position.
But Kessler is looking more likely to be someone the Lakers strongly consider acquiring.
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Hello there! I’m Tyler. Basketball has been a passion of mine since I was a small kid and I’ve … More about Tyler Bazan Tags: 2026 NBA Draft DeAndre Ayton ESPN Jazz Lakers Los Angeles Lakers luka doncic nba NBA Draft nba free agency NBA offseason Utah Jazz Walker Kessler