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Lakers get bad Walker Kessler news after Luka Doncic warning originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Lakers took the first step toward surrounding Luka Doncic with the talent he needs to take the franchise to the promised land.
The seven-time NBA champions signed star guard Austin Reaves to a four-year, $185 million contract extension to remain with the franchise, ensuring that the Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets don’t secure his services this summer.
However, Los Angeles still has a ways to go, and according to a June 21 report from The Athletic’s Dan Woike, the Lakers could run the risk of losing Doncic in the near future if the organization’s roster isn’t up to par with Doncic’s standards.
"He’s (Doncic) under contract with the Lakers for two more seasons with a player option in the third,” Woike wrote.
“Before the 2028 season, he’s eligible for a mega contract that could be worth more than $417 million. That’s a lot of money to walk away from, but I think there’s an actual threat that he could have a wandering eye if the Lakers can’t deliver on the plans they presented last summer."
The Lakers need a top-tier center to complement Doncic in the pick-and-roll and provide Los Angeles with the consistent production that Deandre Ayton failed to deliver last season. Although Walker Kessler is among the Lakers' top big man targets, Woike’s co-worker, Zach Harper, doesn’t think the franchise has a great chance of landing either asset.
“Free agency just doesn’t have significant names for them to actually get,” Harper wrote Thursday. “Don’t kid yourself with internet fodder of people wondering if the Lakers could sign Jalen Duren or Walker Kessler.”
“You’re not doing that for under $30 million per season. Even if the players agreed (they wouldn’t), their teams would match that offer sheet without thinking about it.”
Unfortunately for the Lakers, Harper’s report makes perfect sense. While Kessler and the Jazz haven’t seen eye-to-eye in contract negotiations thus far, there’s no question Utah values the 7-foot-2 shot blocking stud, elite rebounder, and 68.2% career finisher around the rim.
In all likelihood, the two parties will agree on a deal that benefits everyone involved and end all speculation regarding a potential split.
The Lakers can still keep Kessler on their offseason frontcourt wishlist, but they should proceed with caution.
More NBA news:
Lakers named landing spot for $68 million Pelicans defensive star after Yves Missi trade rejection
Lakers predicted to outbid Knicks for $60 million fan-favorite rebounding star, NBA champion
- Luka Doncic sends clear message to Lakers on roster they can't afford to ignore
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