The La Lakers crashed in the first round of the playoffs after a 4-1 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
After the loss, Rob Perinka confirmed that the team’s priorities in the offseason were to bring centers.
Since then, the LA Lakers have linked to many big names around the league.
Houston Rockets’ Stephen Adams was the name the Lakers saw, but the veteran signed a three-year contract with the team, eliminating the possibility of taking him to LA.
Among other names, Walker Kessler has also gained a lot of momentum, due to his age and ability at his position.
The Lakers didn’t have anything big to protect the rims in the playoffs. This made life easier as the Timberwolves exploited their weakness and easily won the game.
Rudy Gobert had a suspicious 27-point game, grabbing 24 boards to close the Lakers of the series.
JJ Reddick made an interesting comment about Jaxson Hayes after the series. It has become clear that teams need RIM protectors to compete.
At Walker Kessler, the Lakers will get talented big names that have never averaged less than two blocks per game in their days with the Jazz.
He has been in the league for three years, during which Kessler came in second place per game in two innings behind Victor Wenbagnama.
With Luka Donsic and LeBron James on the roster, the team’s offense is flowing well, but the defensive side requires a lot of work.
Rim Protection is a problem area for the Lakers, and gaining Kessler will change it for them as they have the advantage of size and are not afraid to challenge anyone trying to reach the rim.
Defensively, Kessler can block shots and rebound well, but he also shows his ability to become an offensive weapon during his time in the jazz.
He averaged 11 points last season, but shot 66% off the field.
Most of his scores come from around the rim, but in the 2024-25 season, Kessler began shooting more three.
He hasn’t had much success in doing so, but it’s a good indication that the 23-year-old is willing to work on that part of his game.
Doncic’s games are always excellent along with the big ones of high quality, and Kessler will also enjoy a lot of fun playing with Slovenians.
Kessler is eligible for extensions and the Jazz was a valuable player to him, so he offers him a good deal.
But it’s up to him to decide whether he wants to remain part of the rebuilding team or whether he’ll go to a team in a big market like the Lakers and compete for the championship.
The jazz asking price to Kessler may not be easy for the Lakers to reach, but given the need for the centre, purple and gold may be trying to find a solution.
With one of Adams’ options already gone, the Lakers are worried and try to quickly find the player to fill in the blanks in that center position.