NBA rumors: Lakers insiders reveal that there is little chance of trading Jazz superstars

Walker Kessler will be a huge deal for the Lakers, but this asking price is not realistic due to cost reasons.

The Los Angeles Lakers performed very well in the regular season this year, but failed to do so in the playoffs. After finishing third in the Western Conference, the Lakers faced the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs. The Lakers were expected to win the series, but the Timberwolves ended up winning the game in just five games. Now, the Lakers are trying to use the offseason to improve themselves, which may mean some trades are required.

One widely discussed trade plan is the Lakers' acquisition of Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz. Kessler will be a huge addition to the team, but Lakers insider Jowan Buha believes that is unlikely.

"I think the problem with Walker Kessler and the Utah Jazz is that they tend to have higher asking prices and I think the price of trading Laurie [Markanen] or Walker would be very expensive," Buha said.

If the price is right, this would be a great choice for the Lakers. However, is Walker Kessler worth such a high price?

"Recalling last season, I reported that the Lakers were interested in Walker before, and they asked the Jazz about him, but the feedback they got was the starting price, not the final price," Buha continued. "The starting price is equivalent to more than two first-round picks." The Lakers are likely to offer enough quotes to the Jazz to make the deal possible, but by then, that may not be in their best interest.

"I just don't know if the Lakers have the necessary assets to get Walker Kessler, but I think he's likely to be traded at the right price," Buha added. "I just think this is very expensive, and I don't know if the Lakers can achieve it."

However, Buha also pointed out that the three-team trade may eventually help the Lakers because it may become a more realistic and cheaper option.

"Yes, I think it may, especially depending on whether the asset is going to the Utah Jazz," he said. "If the Lakers can find a way to get the third team to give up an asset to the Utah Jazz, and then the Lakers give it to that team- maybe one team is very optimistic about Rui (Hatamura), Gabe (Vincent) or Maxi Kleber." In the end, the deal may not happen in the offseason, but it may become more realistic in the future.

"I don't think he is really an option," Buha concluded. "…The trading plan may have to be a combination like Dalton Knecht and two first-round picks for Walker, and the Lakers don't have two first-round picks to trade. The Utah Jazz have no reason to cut prices right now; maybe they'll cut prices by the February 2026 trade deadline. I don't think it's realistic to trade him now."

The Lakers may not trade Walker Kessler this offseason, but they still have the potential to be one of the more active teams before next season.