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Par Mathieu Seguin | Rédacteur sport
Like other organizations, the Lakers are looking for a true pivot to boost their racket. And with the draft approaching, a new and exciting opportunity could well present itself for them… or for other teams.
Rob Pelinka has confirmed that the Lakers will be recruiting a pivot in the coming weeks. But how? We don’t know yet. The GM could use a trade to pick up an important player, or simply go through the draft with a young prospect. An alternative that is less appealing to fans, but one that can’t be ruled out today.
What is certain, especially after these playoffs, is that the Angelinos need a true post 5. Jaxson Hayes has been little used and will be a free agent this summer, which means the chances of him leaving are high. Pelinka will therefore have to recruit one or even two pivots this off-season if this is confirmed.
A new opportunity for the Lakers?
The good news for them is that there are plenty of targets on the market. Daniel Gafford and Nic Claxton are the most realistic targets, as is Mitchell Robinson from the Knicks. But another player could soon hit the market in the person of Walker Kessler, compared to Rudy Gobert at the start of his career.
We don’t know if Kessler will be able to live up to the comparison, but we’re talking about a pivot who protects the circle and is capable of punishing on the other side. An interesting profile for the Lakers alongside Luka Doncic, even if nothing is confirmed at this stage. In any case, journalist Sarah Todd explains that the Jazz could let him leave with the right consideration.
Sarah Bond : “Numerous league sources have indicated that they believe the Jazz are going to be active over the next several weeks. Many expect that the Jazz are willing to hear offers that would include draft picks in the 2025 draft as well as players on the Jazz’s current roster. Obvious candidates for trade would be John Collins, Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson, who are all on expiring deals as of the 2025-26 season, but league sources have said that they expect for conversations to include Walker Kessler (who is extension eligible) and Lauri Markkanen.”
If Kessler is available, he’s one more target for the Lakers and other franchises. We’re talking about a young player who could do any team a lot of good. Discussions could take place, especially as the Lakers are looking for a way out for Dalton Knecht.
