The Lakers badly need a center. Everyone knows it. Walker Kessler is a very good young pivot who rebounds, can catch a lob and has fantastic defensive metrics. He's the kind of player a team could build around. Buuuuuuuuut, reports out of Utah say they're listening to everything this offseason. Some guys (Jordan Clarkson, Collin Sexton, John Collins) might be available, but someone like Kessler? For the right deal, they'd listen. Of course, the "right" deal in this context would mean the proverbial Godfather offer. Something Utah can't refuse. Can the Lakers even assemble a deal like that, whether for Kessler or anyone else? It's the bind LA is in. The best they could do would be Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Rui Hachimura a pick and some swaps. That's obviously more than you'd want to give up for Kessler, but the question becomes relevant when trying to figure out how the Lakers compete with other teams putting together their best offer. The Lakers and Utah would be interesting trade partners, and if they're trying to get better (as the Lakers are) Reaves could be a fit. But then again, if they're trying to win, why would Utah trade Kessler? And if they're not trying to win and decide to continue stockpiling assets, then Reaves feels less logical, given that he's already 27 and about to get paid. LA's biggest trade chip is Reaves, but he might not have a universal market. It's tricky! So if the Lakers can't get Kessler, and they likely can't, there's a good chance they have to settle for a player that doesn't tick all the boxes. If that's the case, which boxes are most important? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Walker Kessler is available... but not really. SEGMENT 2: Do the Lakers have a "Godfather Offer" to make for him, or anyone else? SEGMENT 3: What qualities matter most in a C? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!OLIPOP Get a free can of OLIPOP! Just buy any two cans in store and they’ll reimburse you for one. Head to drinkolipop.com/LOCKEDONNBA to claim your free can and find OLIPOP near you. WayFair Give your home the refresh it needs with Wayfair. Head to Wayfair.com right now. Wayfair. Every style. Every home. Door Dash Sign up for DashPass and when any player scores 50+ in a playoff game, DashPass members can grab a free 3PC Crispy Tenders Combo from Wingstop the next day, with a $20+ order and code WINGSTOP50. That’s DashPass: your door to more savings, more flavor, and more ways to win. Terms apply. Valid only at participating Wingstop locations. Fees (including service fee), taxes, and gratuity still apply. Orders must have a minimum subtotal of $20, excluding taxes and fees. Offer valid on 4/15/25-6/22 /25 or while supplies last. Valid for one (1) promotional redemption per customer. DoubleDash promotions apply only to your DoubleDash add-on order, not your primary order. DoubleDash orders are not valid for the purchase of alcohol. No cash value. Non-transferable. Discount applies to subtotal only; does not apply to fees, taxes, and gratuity. Not valid for pickup. Limit one per person. Not valid for the purchase of alcohol. Fees, taxes, and gratuity still apply. Must have an active DashPass account. Use promo code WINGSTOP50 to redeem. See full terms and conditions at drd.sh/qnAXuU Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNBA at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use codeLOCKEDONNBAfor $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
