NBA Trade Rumors: Anthony Davis’ push for frontcourt help leads Lakers to focus on $3,343,105 Jazz center despite hefty price

The LA Lakers are reportedly working hard to get some reinforcements before the trade deadline strikes on Feb. 6. The Purple and Gold are in a solid position in the 2024-25 NBA season, boasting a 25-18 record, ranking fifth in the Western Conference standings, looking like a potential dark horse in the 2025 NBA playoffs.

To do so, they need to address their biggest question: frontcourt help. The 17-time NBA champions have Anthony Davis as a solid presence in the paint, but they need to help the big man and regardless of how hard it seems to be right now, help might be on its way.

According to Shams Charania (via Legion Hoops on X/Twitter), the Lakers have shown interest in Utah Jazz's center Walker Kessler, but negotiations have never been easy between the two teams.

“They’ve tried to get Walker Kessler many times, they have not been able to meet that steep price… I’m sure they’ll keep trying.”

Walker Kessler has been linked with Los Angeles for a while now, as he poses an intriguing option to help the Purple and Gold in the paint.

JJ Redick is using AD as the starting center, where he's thrived, even dropping 36 points and grabbing 13 rebounds against the Golden State Warriors Saturday night, but Davis has made it clear playing center isn't his favorite thing in the world.

Kessler is averaging 11.3 points, 11.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game, shooting 73.3% from the field. The Utah Jazz (10-33) rank last in the West standings, but it seems like Kessler is a big piece for the future of the franchise.

The Lakers will continue testing the waters on a potential move, but they have reportedly looked at other options to strengthen the center position.

Lakers reportedly interested in Chicago Bulls big man

On Friday, Brett Siegel of Clutch Points (via NBA Central on X/Twitter) reported that the LA Lakers had set their sights on a Chicago Bulls player. After being heavily linked with Zach LaVine, they are now following Nikola Vucevic, a potential candidate to join the frontcourt.

“Late Thursday evening, league sources informed Clutch Points that the Lakers are still highly interested in Bulls center Nikola Vucevic. In fact, it would not be crazy to call Vucevic one of Los Angeles’ top targets ahead of the trade deadline.”

Vucevic could be hard to land, though, as the Golden State Warriors are reportedly keeping tabs on him, too.