NBA Rumors: The Lakers are going after a center who just turned down a contract extension offer
The Californian franchise has been pursuing Walker Kessler for a while, who seems to be moving away from staying with the Utah Jazz, and they have the approval of Luka Doncic, the team's superstar.
Walker Kessler has turned down the renewal offer made by Utah Jazz, valued at 140 million dollars, and is seeking a "significantly higher" figure, as reported by Tim MacMahon of ESPN.
The situation comes at a particularly interesting time following recent statements by Luka Doncic, who has publicly requested from Los Angeles Lakers the addition of a center that fits his style of play.
In this context, there have been reports indicating that the sports management of the Los Angeles franchise has internally debated the possibility of trying to acquire Kessler during the summer.
Luka defines the profile needed
Doncic recently explained to Essentially Sports what he considers to be the team's main needs for the upcoming season, making it clear that the center position is a top priority.
"Primarily, shooters and a center who can play pick-and-roll and jump so I can find him with passes. If I have shooters around me, I won't face as many double teams, which helps me. I always need shooters because I usually face a lot of defensive help, so I need shooters and some centers capable of jumping high and blocking shots," the player explained.
A profile that fits what Los Angeles is looking for
Kessler embodies several of the characteristics pointed out by Doncic.
The 7'2" center stands out especially for his ability to protect the rim and to become a constant threat near the basket, both in pick-and-roll situations and in plays finished above the rim.
His profile as a target for high passes and his ease in continuing toward the hoop after screens align perfectly with the type of player described by the Slovenian point guard.
The market could open up new possibilities
The player's contractual situation could become a decisive factor in the upcoming weeks.
If Utah fails to submit an offer that satisfies Kessler before the exclusive negotiation period ends on June 30, any other interested franchise — including the Lakers — could make a formal offer to the player.
A player influenced by injuries and financial demands
Kessler will turn 25 next month and spent the past season mostly sidelined due to a shoulder operation.
The center could only play five games during the season.
However, his current contract demands could be high considering his recent situation.
Over more than four seasons in the NBA, he averages 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game.
In his last almost full season played, the 2024-25 season, he posted 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and maintained an average of 2.4 blocks per game.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rumores NBA: Los Lakers van a por un pívot que acaba de rechazar una oferta de renovación
