Jazz’s demand for $13M Auburn star makes it impossible for Lakers to add Luka Doncic-LeBron James lob threat

The NBA free agency period is a time when teams across the league evaluate exactly what they need to contend in the upcoming season. For the Los Angeles Lakers, the glaring hole is at center — a weakness that was heavily exposed during the playoffs in April. But for the first time during LeBron James’ tenure in LA, the offseason narrative isn’t centered around him.

“He’s still that good. I don’t think it’s his last year, but the fact that the Lakers did not discuss a 1-in-1, or a 2-in-1, or contracts beyond this year with him. They just let him sit back… that tells you a lot. It’s not in his control with LA,” ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne said.

So far this offseason, the Lakers haven’t landed the center they desperately need — and that could ultimately lead to a LeBron James trade. The situation has felt odd to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, beginning with how quietly James opted into his contract.

If the Lakers are able to land a quality center, James may be content to stay in LA and not request a trade. One potential target is Utah’s Walker Kessler — but acquiring him seems unlikely given the Jazz’s high asking price.

“I’ve just heard nothing but they want two picks plus a young player for Walker Kessler,” Lakers insider Jovan Buha said. “So the Lakers cannot do that trade. They can give one pick and one young player and a swap.”

Kessler is an exciting young talent, and while the Lakers have held discussions with Utah, the price appears too steep. If they could somehow pull it off, however, a future featuring Luka Doncic, Kessler, and even LeBron James for one more season would be extremely promising. This move would be another play by Rob Pelinka gearing for the future of the Lakers.

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