The Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason plans continue to take unexpected turns, and not for the better. After a second-round playoff exit that reignited pressure to reload, the Lakers front office, led by Rob Pelinka, entered trade season with a clear mission: add high-impact players, particularly in the frontcourt and backcourt, to support LeBron James and Anthony Davis in what may be the final year of their window.
But as June heats up, so do trade rumors—and unfortunately for the Lakers, the latest reports suggest that some of their most anticipated targets may be slipping through their fingers. The latest snag? An unexpected shift in trade talks that now appears to be turning sideways due to changing demands, rising competition, and internal hesitations—both from the Lakers and their would-be partners.
So what exactly went wrong, and how could it impact LA’s chances this summer? Let’s break it all down.
🚫 1. The Walker Kessler Dilemma
The Lakers have been actively pursuing a quality rim protector to support—or possibly even replace—Anthony Davis in the paint during heavy minutes. One of the top targets? Utah Jazz big man Walker Kessler.
The 7-foot center, known for his elite shot-blocking and defensive presence, was believed to be available—for a price. Earlier reports suggested the Jazz would listen to offers, especially if the package included two future first-round picks.
But things took a turn. According to recent intel from HoopsHype and The Ringer, the Jazz are now “raising the bar” on Kessler, demanding not only picks but also a young, high-upside player in return. The Lakers, limited in both pick flexibility and young trade chips, have reportedly backed off slightly, concerned about overpaying for a player who isn’t yet an All-Star.
Talks have stalled—again—and sources close to the situation now describe the situation as “cooling rapidly.”
⚠️ 2. Lauri Markkanen Suddenly Not So Available
If Kessler wasn’t enough, the Lakers were also monitoring Utah’s other standout: Lauri Markkanen. The versatile Finnish forward had a breakout season and was seen as a dream fit next to Davis and LeBron due to his size, shooting, and floor-spacing abilities.
But despite earlier reports that the Jazz were “listening to offers,” insiders now say Danny Ainge and company are leaning toward keeping Markkanen, especially if they can’t secure a top-three pick in the draft. Utah may explore extending him instead of moving him.
In short: another door appears to be closing. For a Lakers team that had marked Markkanen as a top-tier target, this development represents yet another blow to offseason strategy.
🌀 3. The DeRozan–Caruso Pipe Dream Fades
Just weeks ago, Lakers fans were buzzing about a potential double-swoop: DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso from the Chicago Bulls. The idea? Send a combination of D’Angelo Russell, picks, and perhaps Rui Hachimura to reunite Caruso with LA and add the veteran scoring of DeRozan.
But that dream may be fizzling fast. According to The Athletic, the Bulls are leaning toward retooling rather than rebuilding and now view Caruso as a key part of their culture. DeRozan, meanwhile, might be re-signed rather than moved, depending on how contract talks go.
That leaves LA without two more high-impact options.
⛔ 4. Trade Capital: A Shrinking Toolbox
One of the biggest factors working against the Lakers in these talks is their limited trade capital. They control only a few future first-round picks (notably 2029 and 2031) and don’t have a treasure chest of young talent to offer—at least not compared to other teams like Oklahoma City, Houston, or San Antonio.
Even players like Austin Reaves—who could headline a trade package—are considered “close to untouchable” internally. That leaves LA trying to swing big deals without enough leverage to compete with more asset-rich teams.
As one rival executive reportedly told ESPN:
“Everyone knows the Lakers want to make a splash—but they don’t have enough buckets of water.”
🕰️ 5. LeBron’s Clock Is Ticking
LeBron James opting out of his contract remains a real possibility—even if it’s likely he re-signs. But this uncertainty places more pressure on the Lakers to act quickly and prove they’re serious about contending.
Every failed or stalled trade talk—whether it’s about Kessler, Markkanen, or someone else—makes that mission harder. And it’s hard to ignore the reality that LA is working against a deadline, both literally and metaphorically.
💬 6. Fan Reaction: Frustration Growing
Among Lakers fans, frustration is mounting. After years of roster churn and near-misses, the faithful are growing tired of “almost” deals and “talks that turned sideways.” Social media is full of commentary like:
“We always ‘check in’ but never check out with a deal.”
“Pelinka is watching stars fly past while we keep banking on minimum deals.”
“Kessler, Caruso, Markkanen—who’s next to slip away?”
The perception is clear: The Lakers keep aiming high but falling short.
🔄 7. Plan B (and C): Who’s Left?
With Kessler and Markkanen cooling, and the Chicago duo likely staying put, LA now turns to other fallback options:
Clint Capela – A more affordable rim-protecting option. Atlanta is expected to move him.
Buddy Hield – Could be a target again if Indiana decides to shed salary.
Jonas Valančiūnas – A bruising big man who may be available via sign-and-trade.
Bruce Brown – The Raptors could move him, and the Lakers have long been interested.
But these are role players—not stars. They may not shift the title odds in LA’s favor.
🧠 8. Final Word – Strategic or Sloppy?
So, what’s the verdict on the Lakers’ offseason so far?
It’s not panic time—yet. The draft and free agency haven’t even arrived. But there’s no denying that the early signs are not encouraging. Every time the Lakers close in on a target, the price inflates or circumstances change. Every path to meaningful improvement seems to come with more resistance than expected.
In some ways, that’s just the nature of the modern NBA: teams overvalue their assets, and sellers have more leverage than buyers. But it’s also a reflection of the Lakers’ own shortcomings—namely, the limited flexibility they have after years of going all-in.
For now, the best Pelinka and the Lakers can do is stay patient, stay creative—and hope that one of these sideways talks finally turns forward again.
Stay tuned. This offseason is just getting started—but the Lakers can’t afford many more misses.
Leave a Reply