NBA Trade Rumors: LA Lakers predictably out of contention for highly touted 7-foot center who averages 2.9 blocks

The LA Lakers might not acquire one of the most exciting prospects in the trade market, the Utah Jazz's 7-foot center, Walker Kessler. The 23-year-old big man's asking price is reportedly proving to be a stumbling block, raising doubts about his availability on the market.

According to Lakers insider Jovan Buha on Monday, the Jazz remain adamant on their asking price of two first-round picks. It's not expensive for just the Lakers but most teams, considering Kessler is still young in his career, and that kind of package could instead be used on a star player.

"There's have been mixed intel of how available Kessler is. Utah asked for two firsts," Buha said on the Playoff LAL show (h/t @Klutch_23).

It's a tough blow for the Lakers, as Kessler could have been an excellent fit. He's averaging 10.6 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.9 blocks this season. The Lakers need a player with Kessler's size and interior defense alongside Anthony Davis.

However, it seems likely that LA will acquire their other favored target, Jonas Valanciunas, as a cheaper alternative.

NBA trade rumors: 'LA Lakers tax' in effect as teams don't want Purple and Gold to succeed

The 'LA Lakers tax' will take shape leading up to the trade deadline. It's a popular internet theory on NBA Twitter, suggesting other teams make it difficult for the Lakers to negotiate trades by upping the asking price for their trade targets. According to insider Jovan Buha, teams do not want to see the Lakers succeed, keeping the tax theory intact.

"In terms of lakers tax, theres an element of that, even going back to Pau/CP3. There are teams who don't want LA to succeed." (h/t Klutch_23)

The Lakers faced this situation in 2011 when they wanted to trade for Chris Paul. However, then-league commissioner David Stern vetoed the trade. Multiple other NBA owners also complained about the Lakers potentially having more cap space and talent that could have heavily favored LA in its pursuit of another dynasty.