Lakers trade proposal lands 24-year-old star to replace Deandre Ayton, but there’s much more to it

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Lakers trade proposal lands 24-year-old star to replace Deandre Ayton, but there’s much more to it originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Over the past few years, there haven't been many more trade rumors other than Walker Kessler being moved.

Kessler, a great player, has yet to be traded, though the Utah Jazz's moves over the past year could suggest he's available. After trading for Jaren Jackson Jr., while the idea might be to pair him with Lauri Markkanen and Kessler, it's not crazy to suggest that moving on from Kessler would be the better decision.

The Los Angeles Lakers could benefit from that, with a recent trade proposal involving multiple assets to land the Jazz big man.

Lakers receive: Walker Kessler

Jazz receive: Deandre Ayton, Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, No. 25 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, future second-round pick

“Another potential frontcourt target for the Lakers is Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler, a player Los Angeles has reportedly been interested in for several years…

“The Lakers have been searching for more interior presence since trading Anthony Davis, and Kessler could provide exactly that. Unlike Turner, Kessler is not a floor spacer, but he gives Los Angeles a true defensive anchor who can protect the rim, finish around the basket, and clean up mistakes behind the perimeter defense,” Basketnews wrote.

That would be a lot to give up for Kessler in terms of pure players, but it might not even be enough to get the Jazz to consider it. Utah has been wise in its past trade decisions, so it wouldn't be surprising to see it keep him around.

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• Lakers trade pitch lands Bucks star, and it isn’t Giannis Antetokounmpo
• Lakers predicted to poach soon-to-be NBA champion
• Level of interest LeBron James has in joining the Warriors
• Lakers’ LeBron James sends NSFW message to Bronny James haters

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