Episode
Is Walker Kessler Clashing With the Jazz? Would That Open the Door for the Lakers?
- Published
- Jun 17, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2205
- Processing state
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- https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-lakers/
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Summary
The Lakers have been linked to Jazz center Walker Kessler in one way or another for a couple of seasons. None of it made a lot of sense, given that Kessler is young, good, fits Utah's timeline and was under contract. Meaning there was zero reason for the Jazz to trade him, and especially not to the Lakers. Now, though, Kessler is reaching restricted free agency, and it's time for Utah to have to pay up. Kessler has been extension eligible for a while, and no offer has come. And now, according to reports, he's upset by that. The Athletic notes that Kessler and the Jazz aren't exactly on the best of terms. "The 24-year-old ... was already known to be frustrated by Utah’s choice not to offer him an extension last summer. And now, with the Jazz choosing to leverage the realities of restricted free agency against him as a way to minimize his market, sources say he is strongly considering the prospect of a basketball future outside Utah." Dicey as dabbling into the waters of restricted free agency might be, the Lakers would almost certainly kick the tires on Kessler if they felt there was a reasonable chance he could end up in purple and gold. They'd likely have to overpay, and hope the Jazz don't match an offer sheet, but the prospect of adding a 24-year old with incredible defensive metrics would be a major temptation. Meanwhile, ESPN's Brian Windhorst told ESPN Cleveland that the Lakers and LeBron James are, and will continue, to negotiate ahead of the start of free agency next month. And finally, legendary voice Lawrence Tanter is stepping away from his duties after 43 years as the PA voice of the Lakers. The franchise is keeping him involved as a special advisor (which is a nice gesture). Congratulations to a true legend in Lakers basketball, and a genuinely good guy. H…