Image Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Lakers to make blockbuster trade proposal for center position in offseason

Lakers won't mind losing Dalton Knecht, who was traded for Mark Williams.

Image Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers are searching for a center this offseason to boost their roster ahead of the next season. As per reports, they already have made progress and planned a trade proposal for Utah Jazz’s star center.

Following the trade of Anthony Davis, the Lakers desperately need a center who can provide rim protection. Los Angeles almost got a new center by acquiring Mark Williams, but the trade got rescinded due to physical issues.

Just like that, the Lakers have no center… and the trade deadline has passed.

Unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/LrN3qNKoo0
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 9, 2025

The Lakers have relied on Jaxson Hayes as the starting center since trading Davis away, but still, their top priority is finding a quality center.

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Can Walker Kessler solve Lakers’ issues at center?

As per the latest report of Bleacher Report, Los Angeles have made a proposal which can fix their issue at center. They will give Dalton Knecht to the Utah Jazz for Walker Kessler in a two-team deal. Lakers will also give 2031 first-round pick (unprotected) to the Jazz in the deal.

Walker Kessler can solve the Lakers’ issues at the rim and boost JJ Redick’s roster. The 23-year-old is one of the best shot-blockers in the NBA. As we mentioned earlier, the Lakers won’t mind losing Dalton Knecht, who was traded for Mark Williams.

WALKER KESSLER FIGHTS THROUGH TRAFFIC TO WIN IN IT UTAH!!! pic.twitter.com/HWSfNHnciq
— NBA (@NBA) March 1, 2025

Kessler is averaging 11.5 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game in the regular season. He dropped 25 rebounds and 8 blocks against the Raptors on Mar. 7 and smashed records for the franchise. On the other hand, Knecht is averaging 9.2 points, three rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game.

Knecht could be a good pick for the Utah Jazz, who are struggling in the offense. Utah will also get the unprotected first-round pick in future, and it’s a bonus for them. This deal is likely to happen in the offseason. Jazz can only push the Lakers to add one more asset in the deal if the current proposal doesn’t work.

Image Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Dalton Knecht

Los Angeles Lakers

NBA 2024-25

Walker Kessler

Gulshan Sharma

nba

soccer

wnba

A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.