LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers have entered trade discussions with the Utah Jazz for forwards John Collins and Walker Kessler, according to Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints. The move could reshape the Lakers’ frontcourt and place them squarely in the contender conversation.
Lakers In Talks With Rivals For John Collins And Walker Kessler
In a recent report, Irwin wrote, “Sources close to the Los Angeles Lakers say that internally, they have long been fans of John Collins.” According to Irwin, Lakers executives admire Collins for his versatility, floor spacing, and vertical finishing ability.
Collins, a 6-foot-9 forward, averaged 19.0 points and 8.2 rebounds last season. His athleticism and shooting make him a strong fit next to stars like Luka Dončić and LeBron James. Irwin noted, “Many within the Lakers organization believe Collins would be an especially great fit alongside Luka Dončić.” The focus remains on pairing him with Dončić in Los Angeles.
The Lakers’ John Collins and Walker Kessler discussions center around a package featuring forward Rui Hachimura and an expiring contract—either Gabe Vincent or Maxi Kleber. These matching contracts could allow the Lakers to make the deal without triggering a hard cap, keeping financial flexibility intact.
Walker Kessler Still On The Radar
While Collins appears attainable, Walker Kessler represents a more complex target for the Lakers. The 22-year-old center averaged 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game last season. His rim protection and rebounding would significantly upgrade the Lakers’ interior defense.
Irwin reported, “The Lakers have also remained interested in Walker Kessler and will likely remain as such until the end of time.” The Jazz, however, continue to place a high asking price on Kessler, making him difficult to acquire outright. The Lakers lack significant draft capital, with only one first-round pick available to trade outright this summer.
Still, Irwin hinted at a broader move: “Some around the league are wondering about a bigger deal involving Collins and Kessler.”
Creative Trade Routes
To secure both players, the Lakers may need to involve a third team. Austin Reaves could be the key to unlocking this deal. With a third team, they could reroute Reaves to get a first-rounder or two and/or some swaps.
Reaves, 27, has been productive for the Lakers and remains under contract on expiring team-friendly terms. He could appeal to other teams looking for efficient combo guards. He did average over 20 this past season.
The Lakers could also offer swap rights in 2026, 2028 and/or 2030, valuable faux first-rounders. These swaps could enhance the appeal of any package built around their limited assets.
Parallels to the Mavericks
The idea of acquiring both Collins and Kessler resembles the Mavericks’ deadline trade for P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford. That duo helped Dallas reach the NBA Finals and raised their defensive ceiling.
A similar boost could result from a Lakers’ John Collins and Walker Kessler deal. Together, they would combine for 20.4 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game, addressing the Lakers’ biggest needs in the frontcourt.
Although no trade is reportedly imminent, momentum may build quickly. This rumor could gain steam in the coming hours and days, hinting that significant movement may soon occur.
New Ownership Could Build Momentum For Deal
The Lakers remain aggressive in their search for frontcourt help. With LeBron likely in the final chapter of his career, the front office knows it must act quickly. A deal for John Collins and Walker Kessler would not only signal urgency but could place the Lakers firmly among the Western Conference elite.
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