Overview

• Los Angeles is targeting Utah’s 7-foot center Walker Kessler as it seeks a reliable rim protector and rebounder.
• Austin Reaves has indicated he wants a long-term Lakers career but is expected to decline a four-year, $89.2 million extension to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
• Reaves’ agent, Aaron Reilly, stirred controversy with a tweet on trade rumors and the guard’s future, a message Reaves publicly downplayed.
• Reaves set career highs this season with averages of 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists over 73 games.
• In interviews Reaves defended teammate Jaxson Hayes and urged the team to add a complementary big man rather than replace him.