The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks made strong efforts to land Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler ahead of the trade deadline.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, both teams were determined to convince Utah to engage in meaningful trade discussions for the 23-year-old big man.
The Lakers had been monitoring Kessler for some time, and their need for frontcourt depth increased after sending Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster trade for Luka Doncic.
Los Angeles attempted to address the void by acquiring Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, but the deal was voided due to Williams’ medical concerns.
The Knicks, meanwhile, were also aggressive in their pursuit of Kessler, seeking additional size and rim protection to strengthen their roster for a deep playoff push. With Mitchell Robinson recovering from ankle surgery, New York aimed to secure a reliable interior presence alongside Isaiah Hartenstein.
Despite the strong interest from both teams, Utah ultimately held onto Kessler, who is enjoying a breakout season. The third-year center is averaging career highs of 11.4 points and 12.2 rebounds in 30.4 minutes per game.
The Jazz, currently at the bottom of the Western Conference standings at 15-45, opted to retain Kessler as part of their long-term plans rather than move him for immediate assets. While the Lakers and Knicks failed to land him before the deadline, both teams remain contenders in their respective conferences.
Los Angeles (38-21) holds the second seed in the West, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder. New York (40-20) sits third in the Eastern Conference, positioning itself as a serious postseason threat.
