Overview

• The Lakers have placed a proposal including multiple future draft picks on the table for Kessler, underscoring their commitment to landing a starting-caliber center.
• Utah Jazz president Austin Ainge and staff have resisted moving Kessler, viewing the 23-year-old as integral to their rebuilding plan.
• Kessler, a 7-foot rim protector who averaged 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game, is under a four-year, $13.3 million rookie contract and will be a restricted free agent next offseason without an extension.
• Los Angeles sees frontcourt depth behind LeBron James and Luka Dončić as an offseason imperative and has maintained interest in Kessler since the trade deadline.
• Sources confirm the Lakers have no plans to pursue forward John Collins, keeping their focus squarely on acquiring a true center.