The Los Angeles Lakers could be among the teams monitoring Utah Jazz restricted free agent center Walker Kessler as the offseason market opens. According to Tony Jones of The Athletic, Kessler and his representatives will meet with multiple teams in Los Angeles at CAA’s headquarters once free agency begins.
The meetings come after Kessler declined a contract extension offer from Utah reportedly worth nearly $140 million over five years, creating uncertainty around his future with the Jazz. As a restricted free agent, Utah retains the ability to match outside offers, but Kessler’s situation has become one of the league’s more interesting offseason storylines.
J. Kyle Mann of The Ringer recently mentioned the Lakers as a team that has discussed Kessler internally. He described Kessler as a player teams may view as a valuable opportunity despite the expected cost of acquiring him.
Kessler, 24, has developed into one of the NBA’s best interior defenders since entering the league. Through four seasons, he has averaged 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 68.1% from the field.
His 2024-25 season represented a major step forward, as he started all 58 games he played and averaged 12.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 1.7 assists. Before a torn left shoulder labrum ended his 2025-26 season after five games, Kessler was averaging career highs of 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.8 blocks while shooting 70.3%.
The Lakers’ interest would align with their biggest roster needs. Los Angeles finished the 2025-26 regular season 53-29, won the Pacific Division and reached the Western Conference semifinals before being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
With Luka Doncic leading the offense after averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds, the Lakers are searching for frontcourt pieces who can complement a high-level perimeter creator. Kessler’s ability as a lob target, rebounder and rim protector fits naturally alongside Doncic’s passing.
