Overview

• The Lakers have pursued Walker Kessler since the trade deadline to bolster interior defense and complement LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
• Latest offers reportedly include multiple first-round picks and a future pick swap, but Utah has yet to accept any deal.
• Jazz president Danny Ainge is holding out for a centerpiece-level return that matches Kessler’s defensive value.
• With limited first-round assets remaining, the Lakers face mounting pressure to overpay or broaden their search for frontcourt help.
• Interest in alternative targets such as John Collins has been dismissed and Daniel Gafford has re-signed with Dallas, narrowing viable options.