When the 2025 NBA offseason begins, the Los Angeles Lakers will have a clear priority: Improving at center. It's a goal they nearly completed in February, but a failed physical cost them Mark Williams and sent the front office back to the drawing board without an immediate opportunity for rectification.
That process may already be under way with the emergence of a rookie who could make one of the Lakers' long-rumored target available in potential trade discussions.
Utah Jazz big man Kyle Filipowski has quietly put together an impressive rookie season. He's averaging 9.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.5 offensive boards, 1.9 assists, 0.7 steals, and 1.1 three-point field goals made in just 20.9 minutes per game, shooting at a clip of .506/.356/.648.
Those numbers translate to eye-opening rookie averages of 16.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 2.6 offensive boards, 3.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.8 three-point field goals made per 36 minutes.
During his most recent outing, Filipowski showed what can happen when he's given the playing time to get into a sustained rhythm. He went off to the tune of 30 points, 18 rebounds, five offensive boards, five assists, three steals, and two blocks on 13-of-17 shooting.
Now averaging 14.8 points and 8.6 rebounds since Mar. 1, Filipowski could be making the Jazz think twice about whether they'd be open to trading Walker Kessler.
Lakers could have shot at Walker Kessler if Jazz prioritize Kyle Filipowski
Kessler has been on Los Angeles' radar for the better part of the past year. He surfaced in trade rumors in July of 2024, and the Lakers were active in their attempts to acquire Kessler from the Jazz as recently as late January—seemingly implying sustained interest.
Unfortunately, Utah's asking price has been understandably high for one of the most promising young big men in the NBA.
At 23 years of age, Kessler is already producing at a level that would have him in Defensive Player of the Year award discussions if Utah were better as a team. Thus far in 2024-25, he's averaging 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 4.6 offensive boards, 1.7 assists, and 2.4 blocks in 30.0 minutes per game.
Kessler leads the NBA in blocks per game, ranks No. 2 in offensive rebound percentage, and is No. 5 in both eFG% and rebound percentage—all the while forcing opponents to shoot 10.8 percent worse within six feet of the rim.
Compounded by his 2025-26 salary of just $4,878,938, it's easy to see why the Lakers are interested in adding him to the rotation. He'd provide instant value on the glass and in the paint, thus helping to address two of the team's most pressing issues.
Los Angeles is No. 27 in the NBA in second-chance points per game and ranks in the bottom half of the Association in points allowed in the paint—areas in which Kessler thrives.
With Filipowski breaking out, it stands to reason that Utah could think twice about Kessler as the long-term answer down low. It certainly doesn't hurt the Lakers' chances that the Jazz are being outscored by an absurd 20.7 points per 100 possessions when Filipowski and Kessler are both on the court.
Nearly a year after initial interest was explored, the Lakers may finally get the chance to add Kessler at center and find their defensive anchor of the future.
