The Los Angeles Lakers need a big man. Desperately. It is their worst-kept secret this offseason. Sure, Deandre Ayton had his moments, but let’s be real: he was a massive letdown, and he holds a player option. Meanwhile, backup Jaxson Hayes is packing his bags for free agency. The cupboard is bare.
For a year, Lakers fans have drooled over Walker Kessler. The Utah Jazz center seemed untouchable. Too expensive. Too unrealistic. But NBA drama is a beautiful thing. A new report from The Athletic’s Sam Amick suggests the door in Salt Lake City might be swinging open, if only a crack.
Kessler is pissed. He is currently at war with Utah’s front office over how they are handling his restricted free agency. Last summer, the Jazz refused to offer him an extension. Now, they are playing hardball, using the restricted free agency rules to suppress his market value. It is a cold business. Sources say the 24-year-old Auburn product is ready to pack his bags and find a basketball future elsewhere.
He fits the bill. On paper, he is a rim-protecting god. Over four seasons, he averaged 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks. He shoots 68.1 percent. Efficient. But there is a catch. He played only five games last season before a torn left labrum ended his year. Still, in a weak free-agent class, he is the prize.
Do not pop the champagne yet. Utah holds the cards. They can match any offer sheet Kessler signs. To scare them off, Rob Pelinka would have to throw crazy money at him. We are talking well north of $30 million. For a guy who cannot score outside of three feet? That is not just risky. It is downright stupid.
