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Jazz Center Walker Kessler Could Be Lakers' Free Agency Target
Kessler's contract dispute with Utah may open the door for Los Angeles to sign the rising star.
Feb. 23, 2026 at 1:43am
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The Los Angeles Lakers have been linked to Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler in the past, and with Kessler and the Jazz reportedly far apart on a contract extension, the Lakers could have an opportunity to sign the 7-foot-2 big man in free agency this summer.
Why it matters
Kessler, a former Auburn standout, has emerged as one of the NBA's top young centers, and adding him would be a major coup for the Lakers as they look to build a contender around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The details
Kessler is in the final year of his rookie contract with the Jazz, and according to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, the two sides are "$25 million per range" apart on a new deal. If Kessler and the Jazz can't reach an agreement, the Lakers could swoop in and sign the restricted free agent to a lucrative contract that the Jazz may be unwilling to match.
- Kessler suffered a season-ending shoulder injury at the beginning of the 2026-27 NBA season.
- Kessler's current four-year, $13.37 million rookie contract is set to expire this summer.
The players
Walker Kessler
A 7-foot-2 center who was drafted 22nd overall by the Utah Jazz in 2022 out of Auburn University. Kessler has emerged as one of the NBA's top young big men, averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game this season before suffering a shoulder injury.
Los Angeles Lakers
The iconic NBA franchise based in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers are looking to build a contender around LeBron James and Anthony Davis and could target Kessler in free agency.
Utah Jazz
The NBA team based in Salt Lake City, Utah that currently employs Kessler. The Jazz and Kessler are reportedly far apart on a contract extension, which could open the door for the Lakers to sign him.
What they’re saying
“Here's what I'll tell you: the Jazz have a number in mind. I think they are comfortable in the $25 million per range, and Walker Kessler and his reps at CAA believe he's worth much, much more than that.”
— Tim MacMahon, ESPN Analyst
What’s next
If Kessler and the Jazz are unable to reach a contract extension, the Lakers will likely be among the teams vying for his services in free agency this summer.
The takeaway
The Lakers' potential pursuit of Walker Kessler could be a major move that helps them build a championship contender around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Kessler's emergence as an elite young center makes him a prime target, and the Lakers may have an opportunity to sign him if the Jazz can't agree to a new deal.
