Lakers Seek Center Upgrade with Utah's Walker Kessler in Trade Talks

The Los Angeles Lakers face a critical offseason priority to secure a starting center, a position left vulnerable after trading Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic. With limited quality options available in free agency, the Lakers are expected to pursue a center through the trade market, potentially overpaying due to their desperation. Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz emerges as the most coveted target, with Utah possibly open to trading him despite his extension eligibility, although they are expected to demand significant assets including first-round picks and players. The Lakers have assets such as expiring contracts and future draft picks that could facilitate a trade, but high asking prices from teams like Utah and others with centers such as Nic Claxton and Jarrett Allen complicate negotiations. Adding a defensive anchor like Kessler is seen as vital to complement Doncic and LeBron James, who is expected to exercise his player option. However, league executives warn that the Lakers' acquisition of Doncic complicates trade talks, as other teams anticipate the Lakers' strong desire and potential to overpay for a center upgrade.