The Los Angeles Lakers have high hopes for next year.
All the attention lies in LeBron James’ future, but the team focuses on winning the championship.
JJ Reddick addressed the Los Angeles Lakers’ starting lineup this season at a team’s press conference, weighing some of the new additions like Marcus Smart.
With Luka Doncic looking great in shape and the Lakers filling in some of their biggest holes throughout the offseason, Los Angeles should be in the race for the title.
The Lakers addressed a major need area when they signed DeAndre Ayton after he was acquired.
Los Angeles needed centers after being exposed to playoff losses to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Ayton’s signature was Walker Kessler of Utah Jazz Center, one of the names connected to the Lakers.
At this point, the Jazz has not offered him a contract extension. Kessler spoke via Andy Larsen about not gaining expansions with the team.
“I’m definitely a little frustrated.
As long as there is Utah Jazz Jersey, I play winning basketball. ”
Even if the Lakers sign Ayton, the team is reportedly still interested in Walker Kessler, who solves long-term problems at the center.
However, the Jazz reportedly want multiple first-round picks and Austin Reeves on Kessler’s contract.
Kessler is one of the best young bigs in the league. He played 58 games for the Jazz last season, averaging 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 2.4 blocks and 66.3% off the field. He also had a double double of 28.
Over his career, Kessler averaged 9.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.5 steel and 2.4 blocks per game. He is expected to make $4.9 million during the 2025-26 season.