Lakers have a need and want, but the chances of finding it are low
What are the Lakers looking for?
The Los Angeles Lakers have significant needs and desires, but finding those answers could prove difficult, according to recent reports. Recently, the Lakers made one major offseason move by acquiring free agent Walker Kessler, an All-Rookie selection in 2022-23. Kessler's playmaking ability has been noticeable throughout his career, as he's averaged 2.4 blocks per game since 2022-23.
He's also an exceptional offensive rebounder, leading the league with 4.6 boards per game in the 2024-25 season. Although his offensive rebounding dipped in 2025-26, he still averaged 4.6 per game. This should prove beneficial for the Lakers, as it will enhance their offensive firepower. However, the team acknowledges Kessler's defensive prowess is superior to that of Kevon Looney and Sandro Mamukelashvili.
The Lakers appear to be in a strong position heading into the trade deadline, but the ongoing process may present challenges. Analyst Jovan Buha stated that the Lakers' priority should be to find a player who can more closely match Kessler's defensive contributions. The team's center situation remains a significant concern as the regular season kicks off.
Written by urgent.news from Yahoo Sports's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
