Jazz center Walker Kessler is one of the most highly coveted big men in the NBA right now, and his future is entirely up for grabs. Even after playing just five games this past season, Kessler’s impact as a 7’2″ big man is undeniable, and several teams are scrambling to try and steal him away.
The Lakers are among Kessler’s most aggressive pursuers this summer, as they’ve long eyed the defensive specialist as a potential partner next to Luka Doncic. Much to the delight of Lakers fans, Kessler was actually spotted in Los Angeles today, seemingly in town for a meeting with Lakers brass. He even spoke with a TMZ reporter, through which he gave a message directly to Lakers fans.
TMZ: “Welcome to LA!”
Walker Kessler: “I appreciate it, man.”
TMZ: “You have a big meeting today, good luck. How’s the whole process feeling?”
Walker Kessler: “It’s good, I feel good about it.”
TMZ: “You hear the big news? LeBron said he’s moving on.”
Walker Kessler: “I did see that, yeah.”
TMZ: “Is that who you were hoping to play with?”
Walker Kessler: “Obviously he’s one of the greatest players of all-time, and it would have been great to play with him, but we just gotta see what happens, man. Luka and Austin are great players too, no question.”
TMZ: “Any message to LA fans?”
Walker Kessler: “I’m here, man.”
🚨 Walker Kessler just landed in LA after the LeBron news broke out 🚨
TMZ: “Any message to LA fans?”
Kessler: “I’m here man” 👀 pic.twitter.com/1Ktni68SdF
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) June 30, 2026
Kessler, 24, was drafted 22nd overall in 2022. Over 201 games in his career, he’s averaging 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.5 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game on 68.1% shooting from the field and 26.6% shooting from three. He’s only been in Utah for four seasons, but his future is in question after extension talks with the franchise failed.
So far, the Lakers have been among his most aggressive pursuers, and they desperately need a win right now as one of the biggest losers of NBA free agency. Following the loss of LeBron James and Luke Kennard (with Rui Hachimura and Marcus Smart likely to follow), things are not looking great, and Kessler is the kind of signing they need to bounce back.
The problem is that, as a restricted free agent, the Jazz can match any offer sheet the Lakers (or any other team) make for Kessler. While they may be willing to go above market price for the young big man, they can only sign him if what they offer exceeds what the Jazz are willing to offer.
Nevertheless, there is real excitement in Los Angeles. Since Luka’s arrival, the Purple and Gold have desperately needed a center, and Kessler fits the bill in more ways than one. If Pelinka can find a way to add him on a fair deal, it could turn this summer from a failure into a total success story.
As for Kessler himself, we don’t know which way he’s leaning, but he didn’t deny a future with the Lakers. At this point, anything is on the table, and if the Jazz don’t pay up, it will be an opportunity for the Lakers to address one of their biggest needs.
