BREAKING: Lakers and Jazz Near Blockbuster Trade to Send Walker Kessler to Los Angeles for Dalton Knecht and First-Round Picks

The Los Angeles Lakers are once again making waves ahead of the NBA Draft, as league sources confirm the Lakers and Utah Jazz are in advanced negotiations on a trade that would send emerging center Walker Kessler to Los Angeles in exchange for multiple first-round picks and promising rookie Dalton Knecht. According to reports, the framework of the deal is nearing completion, with both sides expected to finalize the trade by tomorrow, just hours before the 2025 NBA Draft begins.

This potential blockbuster signals a clear intent from the Lakers’ front office to reshape their roster with size, defense, and long-term potential, while also making a strong push to remain competitive around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. For Utah, the trade reflects a broader strategy to stockpile draft capital and invest in high-upside wing talent as they continue their rebuild in the Western Conference.

The centerpiece of the deal for the Lakers is Walker Kessler, the 7-foot-1 center known for his elite shot-blocking, rebounding, and interior presence. Kessler, drafted by the Jazz with the 22nd overall pick in 2022, quickly emerged as one of the league’s premier young rim protectors. His defensive prowess earned him All-Rookie honors and recognition as one of the most impactful big men in the league under the age of 25.

For a Lakers squad that has long been searching for consistent production at the center position behind Anthony Davis, Kessler represents a long-term solution with immediate defensive impact. Sources indicate the Lakers view Kessler as an ideal fit alongside Davis, providing rim protection, rebounding, and defensive versatility, allowing Davis to operate more freely in both offensive and defensive schemes without carrying the full burden of anchoring the paint.

The 22-year-old Kessler averaged 8.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game this past season, despite seeing inconsistent minutes in Utah’s crowded frontcourt. His per-36-minute numbers and advanced defensive metrics place him among the league’s top young big men, and the Lakers believe his development trajectory is only beginning to scratch the surface.

For Utah, the deal represents an opportunity to further their asset collection phase while adding one of college basketball’s most prolific scorers in Dalton Knecht. The 6-foot-6 wing was drafted by the Lakers last year with high expectations after a standout season at Tennessee, where he averaged 21.7 points per game and established himself as a dynamic shot-creator and perimeter threat.

Knecht’s combination of size, shooting ability, and offensive versatility made him one of the most coveted young wings in recent drafts. Despite limited opportunities as a rookie on a veteran-heavy Lakers roster, scouts remain high on his scoring potential and believe he can develop into a reliable offensive weapon at the NBA level. The Jazz, in need of wing scoring and long-term perimeter pieces, view Knecht as an ideal player to slot into their developing core alongside the likes of Keyonte George, Taylor Hendricks, and Collin Sexton.

The inclusion of multiple first-round picks from the Lakers, reportedly spanning several future drafts, sweetens the deal for Utah and aligns with their long-term rebuilding strategy. The Jazz have been aggressive in accumulating draft assets since trading away stars Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, and this latest move would further fortify their war chest of picks for future flexibility or additional trades.

For Los Angeles, parting with future first-round selections reflects a calculated risk aimed at maximizing the current championship window led by LeBron James. With James entering his 22nd NBA season and approaching age 41, the Lakers are in win-now mode, seeking roster upgrades that can immediately complement their superstar duo while also considering the franchise’s post-LeBron future.

Kessler’s age and defensive skill set fit both timelines, providing insurance for an aging core while ensuring the team remains competitive in the increasingly stacked Western Conference. With the likes of Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, and other dominant big men populating the conference, securing a reliable, mobile rim protector has been a glaring need for the Lakers.

This move also signals the Lakers’ commitment to addressing specific roster deficiencies exposed during last season’s playoff run, where they fell short of expectations. The team struggled with interior defense and lacked consistent production at the five position beyond Davis, forcing them to lean heavily on small-ball lineups that were vulnerable against size-heavy opponents.

Acquiring Kessler offers a structural upgrade, allowing head coach Darvin Ham to deploy more traditional lineups without sacrificing rim protection. It also provides Davis with flexibility to play more power forward minutes, reducing the physical toll he often endures at the center spot over the course of an 82-game season.

Meanwhile, Utah’s willingness to part with Kessler, a promising young big man, underscores their belief in stockpiling assets and developing perimeter talent as the foundation of their rebuild. Sources suggest the Jazz were enticed by Knecht’s potential to become a high-level scorer and the opportunity to add multiple future first-round picks, which could be used in trades or to draft cornerstone players.

The Jazz front office, led by general manager Justin Zanik and CEO Danny Ainge, has been aggressive in reshaping the roster since initiating their rebuild in 2022. This deal follows the organization’s broader philosophy of flexibility, asset accumulation, and developing young talent with star potential.

League insiders believe Utah is positioning itself to be a major player in future drafts and potential trade markets, armed with one of the league’s largest collections of draft picks and young prospects. The addition of Knecht adds an immediate developmental project on the wing, while the draft capital enhances their ability to maneuver as future opportunities arise.

As for the Lakers, the pressure will be immediate to integrate Kessler and translate this acquisition into tangible postseason success. With LeBron James’ championship window narrowing, every roster move carries significant weight and scrutiny from both fans and league observers.

Sources around the league expect the deal to be finalized within the next 24 hours, potentially in conjunction with other draft-night moves as the Lakers explore additional avenues to bolster their roster. Rumors persist that the Lakers are also pursuing perimeter upgrades and veteran depth to round out the team ahead of next season.

The deal, once completed, will undoubtedly reshape both franchises’ trajectories — with the Lakers doubling down on their pursuit of banner No. 18 and the Jazz continuing their methodical rebuild centered on young talent and future flexibility.

For now, the basketball world awaits official confirmation, but all signs point to Walker Kessler donning purple and gold next season, while Dalton Knecht and a haul of first-round picks head to Salt Lake City, setting the stage for one of the most significant trades of this NBA offseason.