In the latest news from the world of the Los Angeles Lakers, insider Jovan Buha has touted some intriguing names as potential trade targets. According to Buha, Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz and Robert Williams of the Portland Trail Blazers could be valuable additions to the Lakers’ roster.
Buha stressed that these big players fit into the franchise’s vision to strengthen their interior sector alongside star power forward Anthony Davis. He described the possibility of pairing Davis with either player as forming a “dominant 4-5 defensive duo” that very few teams in the league could rival. This analysis was shared during his latest podcast episode, ‘Buha’s Block’.
Interestingly, Buha pointed out that Kessler might have a better chance of securing a starting role alongside Davis in the near future, while Williams might serve better as a backup backup.
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As they prepare to take on the Dallas Mavericks, the Lakers are currently struggling in defensive metrics, ranking 19th in blocks and 24th in defensive rebounds. This performance highlights the urgent need to strengthen their defense as the February 6 trade deadline quickly approaches.
Kessler is having an eye-opening third season, posting averages of 10.4 points and 11.3 rebounds per game, while ranking second in the league in blocks with an impressive 2.5 per game, just behind Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs . The prospect of seeing him join forces with Davis, who himself averages 2.2 blocks per game, promises to considerably raise the Lakers’ defensive level.
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Despite the attraction of acquiring Kessler, it remains possible that the Jazz choose to retain this 23-year-old pivot for the final year of his rookie contract during the 2025-26 season. Recent reports from Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times suggest that Kessler is in the sights of several teams, but he might not be a feasible option in concrete trade discussions.
On the other hand, Robert Williams averaged 6.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks during his seventh NBA season, which is his second with the Blazers. Unfortunately, his career has been marked by injury-related setbacks, with this season seeing him available for just 11 games due to a hamstring strain. This injury history raises concerns for a Lakers team looking for reliable depth, especially when Davis and LeBron James might need rest.
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The Lakers currently rank fifth in the Western Conference, with a 20-15 record as the season progresses. No matter which path the franchise decides to take, it appears they are ready to be active as a buyer ahead of the trade deadline, looking to maximize the potential of LeBron James’ guaranteed final season.
