Lakers Trade Rumors: Utah Jazz Asking Outrageous Price for Walker Kessler

The Los Angeles Lakers are eyeing Walker Kessler once again as a trade target. But the Utah Jazz have set an outrageous asking price from the Purple & Gold if they want to deal for the shot-blocking 7-footer.

The Jazz’s asking price for Walker Kessler? Austin Reaves and 2 1st-round picks according to @lakersdailycom.

Man, oh man. (h/t @fullcourtpass)
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 25, 2025

According to a report in Lakers Daily, Jazz CEO Danny Ainge wants a young Lakers star and multiple first-rounders.

“The Jazz have a high asking price for Kessler. One source told Lakers Daily that the Lakers would have to part ways with Austin Reaves and multiple first-round picks to acquire Kessler, who projects to be a great fit next to (Luka) Doncic and LeBron James since he’s a skilled lob threat and excellent rim protector.”

Yes, the Lakers did acquire a starting center this offseason in Deandre Ayton, but he doesn't provide anywhere near the type of rim protection that Kessler does, not to mention the athleticism.

LA has tried to trade for the young Jazz big man in each of the past two seasons, to no avail.

We now know that Kessler and the Jazz will not be agreeing to a rookie-scale extension before this season gets underway. That will leave him to become a restricted free agent next summer.

Last season, Kessler posted career highs of 11.1 points and 12.2 boards per game, along with 2.4 blocked shots, good for 2nd in the NBA behind only Victor Wembanyama. His 4.6 offensive rebounds were tops in the league.