The Los Angeles Lakers have yet to make any moves in the ongoing NBA offseason but are actively pursuing roster improvements, particularly focusing on adding depth at the center and wing positions. Their primary target at center appears to be Utah Jazz’s 23-year-old Walker Kessler, a player who fits the Lakers’ profile, though acquiring him presents challenges due to a high trade price. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has indicated the team will explore both trades and free agency using their taxpayer mid-level exception, valued around $5 million, to strengthen the roster.
Walker Kessler, standing seven feet tall, posted solid numbers for the Jazz last season in his third NBA campaign. He averaged 11.1 points, led the league with 4.6 offensive rebounds per game, collected 12.2 total rebounds, and contributed 2.4 blocks per contest. Despite this promising production, Utah has maintained demanding trade conditions, reportedly seeking multiple first-round picks in any deal involving Kessler, complicating the Lakers’ pursuit.
“But rumors swirled this week, linking L.A. to trade talks with the Utah Jazz for center Walker Kessler and the Miami Heat for wing Andrew Wiggins, and representatives for both Reaves and Vincent were not contacted about any of the teams involved, sources told ESPN, which is customary when a trade nears the finish line. Kessler was one of the centers L.A. inquired about last season before the Williams trade, sources told ESPN, but Utah’s asking price — multiple first-round picks — was too steep. The 23-year-old 7-footer averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds (including a league-leading 4.6 offensive rebounds) and 2.4 blocks in his third season with the Jazz.” —Dave McMenamin, ESPN
This is not the first time the Lakers have expressed interest in Kessler, as inquiries were made last season prior to the Robert Williams III trade. Given the asking price, the Lakers must weigh their options carefully and potentially explore other available centers to address their pressing roster gap.
Additional Center Candidates Under Consideration by Lakers Management
Besides Kessler, the Lakers have shown interest in multiple alternative centers, spanning both contracted players and free agent veterans. Some of the notable names include Onyeka Okongwu of the Atlanta Hawks, Nic Claxton from the Brooklyn Nets, and Robert Williams III with the Portland Trail Blazers. The Lakers reached out to the Hawks last season regarding Okongwu, an athletic 6-foot-10 big man, indicating an ongoing evaluation of various options at the center spot.
In addition to these younger centers currently under contract, the Lakers are considering veteran free agents such as Clint Capela, Al Horford, and Brook Lopez. These veterans represent feasible short-term solutions that could fit within the budget constraints of the taxpayer mid-level exception, though none are expected to serve as the franchise’s long-term centerpiece at the position.
“The Lakers called the Atlanta Hawks about their 6-10, athletic big man Onyeka Okongwu last season, sources told ESPN. Other centers under contract that the Lakers have mulled internally since last season include Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton and Portland’s Robert Williams III, sources told ESPN. Among the other free agent big men L.A. could target are veterans Clint Capela, Al Horford and Brook Lopez.” —Dave McMenamin, ESPN
With the prospect that none of these alternatives offer a definitive long-term answer, Pelinka and the Lakers front office may prioritize using the trade market as their means for acquiring a more permanent center solution. The team’s limited financial flexibility necessitates a calculated approach to roster building moving forward.
Efforts to Strengthen Wing Positions Complement Center Pursuits
While the center position remains a top priority, the Lakers are also focusing on enhancing their wing depth this offseason. The team recently selected Adou Thiero from Arkansas in the draft to contribute to this group, though additional veteran support is likely sought to balance experience with youthful potential. The combination of these moves signals a comprehensive strategy aiming to improve both interior and perimeter performance.
The Lakers’ dual approach aligns with their goal of assembling a competitive roster capable of postseason contention. With trade talks involving key players such as Andrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat also reported, the organization’s activity in multiple areas suggests a busy offseason as they seek to rebuild around their core.
Given the Lakers’ current roster composition lacking a true center, acquiring a player like Walker Kessler or securing viable alternatives could prove essential to their competitive aspirations. The front office’s next moves will likely have a significant impact on the team’s depth and overall prospects for the coming season.