Happy New Year’s Eve LAFB Fam! The Los Angeles Lakers have already completed one trade, sending D’Angelo Russell and some picks to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton, but it is expected that they may not be done reshaping the roster.
According to Anthony Irwin of Clutch Points, the Lakers have had internal conversations regarding a slew of potential trade options.
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Per Irwin, “Lakers sources say they’ve held internal conversations about Robert Williams of the Portland Trail Blazers, Nick Richards of the Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn’s Day’Ron Sharpe, and Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz.”
Kessler has been a name linked to the Lakers for quite some time as they continue their search for a true Center, allowing Anthony Davis to slide over to his natural position of Forward.
- Walker Kessler 2024 Stats: 10.4 PPG, 11 REB, 1.6 AST, 70.9% FG
The big man is averaging a double-double so far this season and would be a really solid addition to the Los Angeles Lakers lineup.
Also Read: Lakers Experts Debate New Lineup, Winners and Losers After Big Trade
Irwin also had this nugget to say about the Lakers and Kessler and a potential trade that nearly happened before the season began.
Speaking of Kessler, sources say the Lakers and Jazz got fairly close to a deal over the summer, but talks this year have been pretty inconsistent. One issue Utah has pointed to is that sending Kessler to pair with Davis would improve the Lakers front court not just this year, but, importantly, moving forward. Utah holds the Lakers’ ‘27 first, top-four protected pick. Danny Ainge has expressed concern that Kessler would stop the Lakers from fully bottoming out as Davis ages and after LeBron James retires.
Things are certainly going to get interesting with Kessler as the trade deadline approaches.
Robert Williams of the Trailblazers is another Center option. Statistically, he would be a downgrade from Kessler, and he does have an injury history that should be a bit concerning for Lakers fans.
- Robert Williams 2024 Stats: 6.8 PPG, 4.9 REB, 1.1 AST
The Lakers will face the Trailblazers on the 2nd, so fans can get a glimpse of what Williams offers.
Nick Richards of the Bobcats brings more size at 7′ and is averaging 9.3 PPG and 7.8 REB. He is another intriguing option that would bring size and versatility to the lineup, thus allowing Davis to move over the forward.
If Day’Ron Sharpe was a true trade candidate, he most likely would have been included in the Russell trade, but never say never.
The biggest difference maker, however, is that Kessler is averaging nearly 30 min a game, while the other 3 big men are averaging 21 min or less.
We will keep you updated as the trade rumors continue to swirl.