Lakers Face Tough Decision on Trade Deadline: Knecht for Kessler?

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers are at a critical juncture as the Feb. 6 trade deadline approaches, with speculation mounting over whether they will make a significant move to bolster their roster. Despite initial reluctance, the Lakers are reportedly considering a blockbuster trade that would send rookie standout Dalton Knecht and other assets to the Utah Jazz in exchange for defensive anchor Walker Kessler.

According to Fadeaway World’s Ishaan Bhattacharya, the Lakers are weighing the possibility of parting ways with Knecht, Rui Hachimura, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and two future first-round picks to acquire Kessler and Collin Sexton. “The Lakers don’t want to match the price the Jazz are setting on some of their targets, with the hope that they come off the price,” Bhattacharya wrote Tuesday. “Instead, the Lakers should go all-in on what the Jazz want while maximizing their return.”

Knecht, the No. 17 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has shown flashes of brilliance in his rookie season, averaging 9.5 points per game on 46% shooting from the field. However, his recent cooling off has raised questions about his immediate impact on a Lakers team desperate for frontcourt depth. With Anthony Davis nursing an abdominal strain, the Lakers are in dire need of a reliable big man to shore up their defense and rebounding.

Walker Kessler, a 7-foot center, has emerged as one of the league’s premier rim protectors. In his third season with the Jazz, Kessler ranks second in the NBA in blocks and has established himself as a defensive force. His ability to anchor the paint would allow Davis to play his preferred power forward position, a setup that proved successful during the Lakers’ 2020 championship run with JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard.

“I think we need another big,” Davis said recently. “I feel like I’ve always been at my best when I’ve been a four and having a big out there. We know it worked when we won a championship with JaVale and Dwight.”

Kessler’s impact extends beyond defense. He leads the league in offensive rebounds and is an efficient finisher around the rim, shooting 77% on close-range attempts. His $2.9 million salary also makes him a financially viable option for the Lakers, who are navigating the complexities of the NBA’s salary cap.

However, acquiring Kessler would come at a steep cost. The Lakers would need to part with Knecht, a promising young talent, and two future first-round picks. While some fans may balk at the idea of trading away draft capital, the Lakers still retain control of their 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2030 picks, providing flexibility for future moves.

As the trade deadline looms, the Lakers’ front office faces a pivotal decision: push their chips in for a player who can help now and later or maintain their cautious approach. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis still performing at an elite level, the Lakers’ championship window remains open, but the clock is ticking.

All stats courtesy of Cleaning the Glass unless otherwise stated.