The Los Angeles Lakers have scheduled a face-to-face meeting with Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler shortly after free agency begins Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET, according to multiple league insiders.
Kessler, 24, becomes a restricted free agent this summer, giving Utah the right to match any offer sheet he signs. The session will take place at the Los Angeles offices of Creative Artists Agency, the firm representing the 7-foot-1 shot-blocker. Sources say Kessler will sit down with three teams that night, and the Lakers are widely believed to be among them.
Two Paths for Los Angeles
Los Angeles can pursue the rim-protector in one of two ways. The first is to extend an offer sheet rich enough to deter the Jazz—potentially exceeding $30 million annually. Because Utah would have 48 hours to match, that strategy could temporarily freeze the Lakers’ cap space.
The alternate route is a sign-and-trade arrangement. League executives expect any discussions to center on a package that could send center Deandre Ayton and draft compensation to Utah, creating a salary slot acceptable to both the Jazz and Kessler while avoiding an outsized cap hit for Los Angeles.
Additional Target: Jalen Duren
The Lakers have also lined up a meeting with Detroit Pistons restricted free agent Jalen Duren. The 22-year-old reportedly seeks a contract larger than Kessler’s projected deal, and indications are that the Sacramento Kings are his preferred destination. Even so, the Lakers plan to keep dialogue open should circumstances change before the market settles.
NBA free agency officially opens Tuesday evening, leaving all parties several days to weigh proposals before any agreements can be finalized.
Source: LakersNation.com
