The Lakers have made it clear to other teams that they are looking for a starting center. The franchise previously attempted to acquire Kessler from the Jazz but was unsuccessful. He missed most of last season but is a strong defender with the right size. Is he worth two first-round picks? This will polarize fans, but thatโs likely the asking price for Utah, which is currently deadlocked with Kessler.
According to ESPNโs Tim McMahon, Utah has โput an offer on the table in the region of $140 million over five yearsโ but called it a โgapโ between the young center and the franchise.
The Lakers match the $140 million price tag but are paid over four years. Instead of starting Kessler at $25 million with the Jazz, he jumped to $33.7 million with the Los Angeles Lakers. This is a massive investment that the Lakers need to be confident in, but it may be the only clear path this offseason to a young center who can pair with Doncic.
Los Angeles. also adds a dynamic wing with championship experience. Wiggins shoots the ball well and could either go for a straight trade, opting into his final year at $30.2 million, or he could opt out of his contract and go to the Lakers via sign-and-trade on a three-year deal starting at a lower figure, perhaps starting at $25 million ($78.8 million total).
The Lakers are parting ways with most of their current roster, assuming Ayton decides to play alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen in Utahโs frontcourt. Los Angeles remains above the NBA salary cap instead of falling below expectations, allowing the franchise to retain Rui Hachimura, Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard and Jaxson Hayes. However, the total budget for all four will be $38.3 million. Wiggins at $25 million would bring that total to $43.3 million.
The Lakers start Doncic, Reaves, Kessler, Wiggins and Hachimura, with Smart, Kennard and Hayes on the bench. The team has two young players to develop in Adu Thiero and first-rounder Cameron Carr, as well as four spots for veterans on minimum contracts.
Los Angeles has the first hard cap, acquiring Kessler via sign-and-trade. James and his son purchase Wiggins; Kessler by combining Ayton, Vanderbilt and Knecht.