The Los Angeles Lakers must make it a priority to acquire the Utah Jazz’s rising star in a trade. Because he showed them what he could do against his city rivals.
The Utah Jazz are currently in the middle of a close game against the Los Angeles Clippers, leading by 28 points heading into the fourth quarter.
Lauri Markkanen has helped the Jazz build this big lead, but there was another performer who reached another level.
As many fans know, Walker Kessler has been a trade target for the LA Lakers for years. And tonight’s performance showed why they should make his acquisition a top priority.
And with Kessler currently dissatisfied with the Jazz, there is no better time for them to take action to cut off Danny Ainge’s ability to make amends with the young star.
Walker Kessler led the entire game in scoring with 22 points. But in addition to that, he recorded 9 rebounds and 4 assists.
Kessler also improved his 3-point shooting against the Clippers, making perfect 2-2 shots from beyond the arc.
It was a great performance by the 4th year star player. And if the offensive numbers weren’t impressive enough, Kessler also made an impact defensively.
During the game, Kessler recorded two steals and four blocks, making things very difficult for the LA Clippers in the paint.
These are exactly the numbers the Los Angeles Lakers want in a starting center. Having a center that has an impact on both ends of the court is important to unlocking Luka Doncic’s game.
Doncic is at his best when he has a rim-protecting center who can be a lob threat. And even though it’s only been one game, it’s hard to imagine Deandre Ayton playing that role.
There has never been a better time for the Los Angeles Lakers to acquire Walker Kessler. Judging by tonight’s performance, both he and Lauri Markkanen are going to be damaged in their ability to tank.
Markkanen is expected to be traded this season for this reason, and it’s not a stretch to say the same about Walker Kessler.
Kessler is the perfect teammate for Luka Doncic, so Rob Pelinka’s notoriously frugal and conservative approach will have to be put aside.
Negotiations with the Jazz won’t be easy, as Danny Ainge still regrets helping the Lakers acquire Doncic, but Pelinka should at least try to get Doncic.