The Lakers have been linked to Jazz center Walker Kessler in one way or another for a couple of seasons. None of it made a lot of sense, given that Kessler is young, good, fits Utah's timeline and was under contract. Meaning there was zero reason for the Jazz to trade him, and especially not to the Lakers.
Now, though, Kessler is reaching restricted free agency, and it's time for Utah to have to pay up.
Kessler has been extension eligible for a while, and no offer has come. And now, according to reports, he's upset by that. The Athletic notes that Kessler and the Jazz aren't exactly on the best of terms. "The 24-year-old ... was already known to be frustrated by Utah’s choice not to offer him an extension last summer. And now, with the Jazz choosing to leverage the realities of restricted free agency against him as a way to minimize his market, sources say he is strongly considering the prospect of a basketball future outside Utah."
Dicey as dabbling into the waters of restricted free agency might be, the Lakers would almost certainly kick the tires on Kessler if they felt there was a reasonable chance he could end up in purple and gold. They'd likely have to overpay, and hope the Jazz don't match an offer sheet, but the prospect of adding a 24-year old with incredible defensive metrics would be a major temptation.
Meanwhile, ESPN's Brian Windhorst told ESPN Cleveland that the Lakers and LeBron James are, and will continue, to negotiate ahead of the start of free agency next month.
And finally, legendary voice Lawrence Tanter is stepping away from his duties after 43 years as the PA voice of the Lakers. The franchise is keeping him involved as a special advisor (which is a nice gesture). Congratulations to a true legend in Lakers basketball, and a genuinely good guy.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: Kessler, eh?
SEGMENT 2: Should the Lakers make an offer?
SEGMENT 3: LeBron negotiations, and LT retires.
Get Your Free Locked On NBA Draft Guide! Our exclusive first round guide features team picks from local Locked On hosts and deep-dive prospect analysis from Locked On NBA Draft with No Ceilings. Download your free guide now: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/nbadraftguide/.
Everydayer Club
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
5-Hour ENERGY
Ignite your taste buds with the flavor of the summer. Get a Firework Freeze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today. For more information, visit https://FiveHourEnergy.com.
Odoo
Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.
Quo
Make this the year where no opportunity - and no cutsomer - slips away.
Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnba.
KALSHI
For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.
Rugiet
Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl
Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast
Gametime
Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuel
Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brasil