LA Lakers nearly landed 7-foot center averaging 2.9 blocks but mega move stalled for one reason (Image Sources: NBA.com, IMAGN)LA Lakers nearly landed 7-foot center averaging 2.8 blocks but mega move stalled for one reason (Image Sources: NBA.com, IMAGN)

The LA Lakers nearly acquired Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler this past summer. The 2022 first-round pick is widely viewed as a needle moved for LA. Many believe it could give the Lakers the same advantages they had during their 2019-20 championship run with Anthony Davis playing at the power forward position next to other seven-footers like JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard.

Kessler, 23, could also be a long-term asset for the team under coach JJ Redick. 24 games into his third NBA season, the former Auburn prospect is averaging 10.3 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.8 blocks on 69.7% shooting, making him a hot commodity in the market.

However, his growth and potential impact on the Lakers have Utah worried about one thing, which has stalled the mega trade from fruition. Here’s what Lakers insider Anthony Irwin reported on this rumor:

“Sources say the Lakers and Jazz got fairly close to a deal over the summer, but talks this year have been pretty inconsistent. One issue Utah has pointed to is that sending Kessler to pair with Davis would improve the Lakers front court not just this year, but, importantly, moving forward. Utah holds the Lakers’ ’27 first, top-four protected pick.

“Danny Ainge has expressed concern that Kessler would stop the Lakers from fully bottoming out as Davis ages and after LeBron James retires.”

The LA Lakers traded their 2027 first-round pick with top-four protection to the Jazz at the 2023 NBA trade deadline. Russell Westbrook went to Utah in a three-team deal, and LA acquired D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt and Malik Beasley in that trade.

NBA Trade Rumors: Understanding the 2027 top-four pick LA Lakers owe to the Utah Jazz

Anthony Irwin’s report suggests that the Utah Jazz seemingly want the LA Lakers to remove protections on the top four protected 2027 picks. Utah landing in the lottery out of the situation seems like a dicey proposition. If the Lakers land in the top four, it won’t convey to the Jazz in the lottery, becoming a second-round pick.

It only becomes a lottery pick for Danny Ainge’s team if the Lakers land a pick between five and 14. If it becomes unprotected, Ainge can also use it as a lucrative trade asset once Utah inches close to becoming a perennial playoff contender.

The Utah Jazz stalling on this deal seems like a negotiation tactic around that pick to maximize their returns on Kessler.