NBA Watch League Pass

Lakers' 7-foot double-double machine trade target gets major update amid Luka Doncic push

Hunter Cookston

•
Lakers' 7-foot double-double machine trade target gets major update amid Luka Doncic push image

The Los Angeles Lakers are doing everything they can to get over the hump and return to the NBA Finals. That urgency is being driven by Luka Dončić, who has made it clear he doesn’t want to wait to win.

“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn't mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he's not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.

Now, more help could be on the way for Dončić. The Utah Jazz and Walker Kessler are reportedly not reaching a rookie extension agreement.

“The Utah Jazz and Walker Kessler will not reach an agreement on a rookie-scale contract extension, league sources tell The Athletic, which clears the way for the starting center to reach restricted free agency next summer,” The Athletic’s Tony Jones wrote.

This is major news out of Utah, as the Lakers have been eyeing Kessler for some time. He’s a rebounding machine and the type of big man who thrives alongside a playmaker like Dončić.

“Kessler is coming off of a season in which he averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 4.6 offensive boards, 1.7 assists, and 2.4 blocks in 30.0 minutes per game,” Lake Show Life’s Max Ogden wrote. “It's unclear if Utah will be reasonable in its trade demands for Kessler, but the door appears at least slightly ajar for the Lakers to bring that value back to Los Angeles given the failed extension.”

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

This is the kind of move that could truly move the needle for Los Angeles. Adding Kessler to a frontcourt that already includes Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes would ensure Dončić always has a lob threat on the floor.

If the Lakers can pull off a deal for Kessler, Dončić could unlock a new level — and the dream of Kessler in purple and gold is alive once again.

More Lakers news: 

Hunter Cookston

Hunter Cookston began his career as a sportswriter for the Marion Tribune, where he covered local high school football, basketball and baseball. His passion for sports started at the age of four when he played his first year of tee ball. Growing up in Tennessee, he developed a deep love for the Tennessee Volunteers and Atlanta Braves. Hunter is currently attending Tennessee Wesleyan University, where he is pursuing a BA in Sports Communications/Management.