The trade rumor mill is heating up in Los Angeles, and this one is making fans do a double take. Reports suggest the Utah Jazz have made their demands clear: if the Lakers want Walker Kessler, they’ll have to put Austin Reaves on the table along with two first-round picks.
Why Utah Wants Reaves
Reaves isn’t just a role player anymore. He’s become the Lakers’ heartbeat outside of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Averaging nearly 15 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds, Reaves has proven he can handle the spotlight of the purple and gold. Utah sees him as the kind of young guard who could grow into a franchise cornerstone, especially when paired with the mountain of draft picks they’ve already stockpiled.
The Value of Walker Kessler
On the other side of this rumor stands Walker Kessler, one of the best young defensive big men in the league. As a rookie, he averaged 2.4 blocks per game and quickly became a feared rim protector. For a Lakers team that’s struggled with rim defense, Kessler represents a long-term solution at the center spot—and he’s still on an affordable rookie contract.
Too Much to Ask?
This is where the debate begins. Would the Lakers really be willing to let go of a homegrown star like Reaves plus two precious first-round picks? With LeBron nearing the end of his career, L.A. can’t afford to waste assets, but they also need to surround their stars with the right pieces. For many fans, the thought of losing Reaves—who’s only getting better—feels like too high a price, no matter how good Kessler is on defense.
The Bigger Picture
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Utah’s angle: The Jazz are rebuilding and don’t need to rush. By setting the price sky-high, they make it clear that Kessler is only moving if someone blows them away.
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Lakers’ dilemma: They’re caught between trying to win now with LeBron and AD, while also protecting a future that Reaves and their limited draft picks represent.
Final Take
This deal sounds like more of a negotiation tactic than a real possibility. Still, the fact that the Jazz even floated Reaves plus two picks shows just how valuable Kessler is viewed around the league. For the Lakers, it’s a reminder that every move counts in keeping their championship window alive.
