In Los Angeles, excitement and speculation are already mounting over whether the Lakers will go “all in” on a blockbuster trade targeting Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler.

At face value, adding both would reshape the roster’s identity — pairing perimeter shooting with rim protection in a frontcourt marriage seldom seen. But the path is littered with obstacles: finances, asset limitations, Utah’s resistance, and the strategic risk of disrupting team chemistry.

From the start, the appeal of Markkanen and Kessler is obvious. Markkanen brings spacing, shooting, and versatile scoring — a stretch four or hybrid forward who can stretch defenses and attack inside. He averaged 19.0 points and 5.9 rebounds last season, with solid efficiency from the field and a respectable three‑point rate.

Kessler, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the league’s more intriguing young centers: in 2024‑25 he logged around 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, while shooting at extremely high percentages.

Together, they offer the promise of a two‑man frontcourt that can simultaneously stretch for shooters and protect the rim — a modern blend that fits today’s positional expectations.

For the Lakers, the logic is compelling. They already boast perimeter firepower in Luka Dončić and LeBron James. What they’ve lacked is interior balance — a consistent, high‑end rim presence alongside Anthony Davis or easing Davis’s load by allowing him to slide out to the power forward. Kessler could offer that defensive spine, rebounding prowess, and rim deterrence.

Meanwhile, Markkanen could help floor spacing, catch-and-shoot scoring, and offensive versatility. Several analysts have floated trade scenarios to bring Markkanen to LA, pointing to possible packages involving Reaves, Hachimura, veterans, and draft assets. But combining both in one deal raises the stakes considerably.

Yet the major hurdle lies in valuation and willingness. The Utah Jazz, according to multiple reports, are reluctant to part with either Markkanen or Kessler.

Tony Jones of The Athletic has asserted that neither is expected to hit the trade block easily: “The Jazz do not want to trade them, so if you want to trade FOR them, you will have to make an offer that’s impossible for them to ignore.”

And while some sources indicate Utah is “willing to hear offers” for both players this offseason, that doesn’t mean they are truly available under reasonable terms.

Another roadblock is asset scarcity. Lakers insiders have warned that LA doesn’t currently possess enough trade capital or desirable assets to meet Utah’s asking price for Kessler. Shams Charania reported that while the Lakers have made multiple efforts to acquire Kessler, they have not been able to match Utah’s steep price.

Jovan Buha, in a Q&A, also said that inquiries were met with “starting prices” equivalent to two or more first-round picks. In short, the Lakers may simply lack the chattel — prime picks, young controlled players, or compelling assets — to beat out rival suitors.

A common barrier arises in salary structures, trade matching, and contract longevity. Kessler is under contract through 2025‑26 and is eligible for a rookie‑scale extension, which makes him financially attractive.

 But while that makes his cap hit manageable, it doesn’t necessarily lower the price in a trade negotiation driven by value rather than cost. For Markkanen, his salary and extension status raise the question: Is he movable at all? Some sources suggest Utah has no appetite to move Markkanen, given their identification of him as a foundational piece.

Even if the Lakers could muster a package appealing enough, there are strategic risks. Trading away too many picks or promising young pieces could hamper long-term flexibility. Overcommitting to an aggressive win-now package could leave the Lakers exposed if chemistry fails or injuries hit.

And there’s the question of lineup cohesion: integrating two new frontcourt stars with entrenched veterans like AD, LeBron, and Luka may require recalibrations of role, minutes, and style.

Still, there are some trade ideas floating. One proposal — for example — involves the Lakers acquiring Markkanen in exchange for Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, a late first-round pick, and a 2031 first for the Lakers.

 In such a deal, LA would absorb a star forward while offloading surplus role players and picks. But that kind of package might still fall short to fully land both targets.

Among league rumors: some suggest that Utah’s asking price for Kessler remains so high that the Lakers can’t even start negotiations. Others point to internal Lakers discussions about bundling lesser contracts and third‑team involvement to facilitate the trade.

Jovan Buha estimated a potential package could include Dalton Knecht along with two first-round picks to land Kessler, but LA doesn’t currently have two firsts to spare.

Another wrinkle: there’s concern that trading for Kessler could hurt Utah’s own future — giving LA too much frontcourt potential to undermine Utah’s ability to tank or rebuild. One report claimed that Utah resisted deals because getting Kessler to LA would “improve the Lakers frontcourt not just this year but moving forward.”

Also, Utah holds LA’s 2027 first-round pick (top‑4 protected), which gives the Jazz leverage and a degree of future insurance in any exchange. That kind of embedded protection makes wheel‑and‑deal trade work more complicated.

From a fan perspective, the idea of Markkanen + Kessler in purple and gold stimulates dreams: imagine a rotation of Luka, LeBron, Markkanen, Davis, Kessler — shooting, rim protection, and two-way balance. But behind closed doors, front offices weigh costs and margins.

Many insiders express skepticism that such a deal will materialize soon. Buha has expressed doubts that Kessler is realistic this offseason given LA’s lack of assets. And some analysts believe that while the Lakers will pursue improvements, the Markkanen/Kessler sweep is more aspirational than probable.

Even so, the possibility can’t be dismissed entirely. If Utah’s front office concludes that rebuilding via youth and picks is their best path — especially after a dismal 17-win season — they might become more amenable to moving upper-tier talent.

And if the Lakers can engineer a clever three-team structure that manages salary distortions and asset matching, they could make a persuasive offer. In a league of evolving trade frameworks, creative deals often break locking points.

In the end, “going all in” on Markkanen and Kessler is an audacious vision. It would represent a throw of history-making proportions — a roster redesign pivoting toward long-term elite frontcourt balance. But right now, the constraints stand tall: Utah’s resistance, Lakers’ limited trade capital, complex salary math, and the risk of overpaying for potential.

The front office must decide whether to commit bold resources now or pursue incremental upgrades and hope a piece or both become more accessible later (perhaps closer to the 2026 or 2027 trade deadlines).

Whatever unfolds, one message is clear: the Lakers believe the next few moves matter enormously. Whether they land both, one, or neither, their ambition is manifest. The question is — can they turn speculation into reality without mortgaging their future? The next few weeks of trade season will offer clues.