Los Angeles Lakers Could Move Austin Reaves in Blockbuster Trade for Utah Jazz’s $13.3 Million Defensive Anchor Walker Kessler
TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Mar 18, 2025, 09.16 AM IST
The Los Angeles Lakers have already made headlines this season by acquiring Luka Doncic to form a superstar duo with LeBron James. However, while their backcourt looks lethal, the team still has a glaring hole in the frontcourt following Anthony Davis’ departure.
With free agency approaching, the Lakers could turn their attention to bolstering the center position—and Utah Jazz’s Walker Kessler might be the answer. NBA insider Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report recently identified Austin Reaves as a key trade asset, suggesting that Los Angeles could consider moving him to land a defensive anchor.
Lakers Face Tough Decision: Is Trading Austin Reaves for a Defensive Big the Right Move?
The Los Angeles Lakers had been actively seeking a big man after trading Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in February. They nearly acquired Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets at the deadline, but the deal collapsed due to Williams failing his physical. That left Los Angeles scrambling to reinforce its interior defense, an issue that could resurface this summer.
Kessler, a 7-foot-2 center known for his shot-blocking and rebounding, could provide much-needed stability in the paint. This season, the Auburn product is averaging 11.5 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 72.5% from the field. However, his individual success hasn’t translated into wins for Utah, which currently sits at a dismal 15-53.
With the Jazz in rebuilding mode, they could be open to parting with Kessler for the right return. That’s where Austin Reaves comes into play. The Lakers guard has been a reliable playmaker and shooter, but with Doncic now leading the backcourt, his role may diminish. Moving Reaves for a defensive-minded center could be the logical next step for Los Angeles.
Is Walker Kessler the Missing Piece to the Lakers' Championship Puzzle?
Walker Kessler may not have Davis' offensive versatility, but what he brings to the table is just as valuable for a team in need of size and defense. His knack for blocking shots, cleaning up the glass, and finishing strong around the rim would give the Lakers a much-needed interior presence.
If Los Angeles is serious about making a deep run next season, adding a young, defensive-minded big like Kessler should be at the top of their to-do list. He’s not a superstar, but he’s exactly the kind of piece that could help round out their roster and make them a more complete team.
Also Read: NBA Summer Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers eyeing $217 million All-Star center to form Big 3 with LeBron
The Lakers have never shied away from big moves—so don’t be surprised if they make a strong push for Kessler this summer.
With free agency approaching, the Lakers could turn their attention to bolstering the center position—and Utah Jazz’s Walker Kessler might be the answer. NBA insider Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report recently identified Austin Reaves as a key trade asset, suggesting that Los Angeles could consider moving him to land a defensive anchor.
Lakers Face Tough Decision: Is Trading Austin Reaves for a Defensive Big the Right Move?
The Los Angeles Lakers had been actively seeking a big man after trading Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in February. They nearly acquired Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets at the deadline, but the deal collapsed due to Williams failing his physical. That left Los Angeles scrambling to reinforce its interior defense, an issue that could resurface this summer.
Kessler, a 7-foot-2 center known for his shot-blocking and rebounding, could provide much-needed stability in the paint. This season, the Auburn product is averaging 11.5 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game while shooting an impressive 72.5% from the field. However, his individual success hasn’t translated into wins for Utah, which currently sits at a dismal 15-53.
With the Jazz in rebuilding mode, they could be open to parting with Kessler for the right return. That’s where Austin Reaves comes into play. The Lakers guard has been a reliable playmaker and shooter, but with Doncic now leading the backcourt, his role may diminish. Moving Reaves for a defensive-minded center could be the logical next step for Los Angeles.
Is Walker Kessler the Missing Piece to the Lakers' Championship Puzzle?
Walker Kessler may not have Davis' offensive versatility, but what he brings to the table is just as valuable for a team in need of size and defense. His knack for blocking shots, cleaning up the glass, and finishing strong around the rim would give the Lakers a much-needed interior presence.
If Los Angeles is serious about making a deep run next season, adding a young, defensive-minded big like Kessler should be at the top of their to-do list. He’s not a superstar, but he’s exactly the kind of piece that could help round out their roster and make them a more complete team.
Also Read: NBA Summer Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers eyeing $217 million All-Star center to form Big 3 with LeBron
The Lakers have never shied away from big moves—so don’t be surprised if they make a strong push for Kessler this summer.