The Los Angeles Lakers have had quite the eventful offseason—between roster speculation, Luka Dončić rumors, and decisions looming for LeBron James. When it comes to James, GM Rob Pelinka recently addressed his future, making it clear that the ball is entirely in LeBron’s court.
“The first thing we want to do in terms of LeBron and his future is just give him absolute respect to choose his story with his family in terms of how many years he's going to continue to play," Pelinka said. "He's earned that right."
While James takes time to decide his next move, Dončić has made one thing very clear: he wants to win now. There’s no room for a slow rebuild in his mind.
“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.
Meanwhile, the Lakers may have another opportunity to land a trade target they've long had their eye on.
“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 reported.
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That contract stalemate could open the door for the Jazz to move Kessler sooner rather than later—possibly at a more manageable price.
“Utah's lack of long-term control with Kessler might just open the door for the Lakers to make a move. They may still not be able to acquire him at a team-friendly price via a trade,” Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox wrote.
The Lakers have consistently shown interest in bringing Kessler to L.A. With this latest development, there may never be a better time to make it happen. Perhaps the Jazz are finally ready to strike a deal.
If acquired, Kessler could bring a new dynamic to the Lakers' frontcourt, especially if paired with Deandre Ayton to form a powerful 1-2 punch. And if that happens, Luka Dončić might just find himself in basketball heaven.