How does a team function without any depth in their roster? Look at the Los Angeles Lakers to understand the sorcery. Even their stars are expressing their doubts and concerns, demanding a change to charge up the ongoing season. But, what is the front office under Rob Pelinka’s leadership doing? Nothing. Their only big move so far has been trading D’Angelo Russell for Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets. However, this might be far from the reality that Shams Charania has recently shared.

Surely the Lakers superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis are not happy with what’s going on. They’re at that point of their career where they need a solid plan that could bolster their championship dreams. Bron is already 40, how long is he going to be around? Meanwhile, AD has emerged as LA’s new beacon of hope. But, he has no one on the team to back him offensively.

Meanwhile, talking on NBA Countdown on ESPN, Shams Charania reported: “From my understanding, this is not about LeBron James and Anthony Davis mortgaging the Lakers’ future but they want to see activity that warrants championship aspirations. And I do think the Lakers intend to do that between now and the deadline and they’re not far off.” 

The Los Angeles Lakers sit at 25-18, 5th in the West, but their record tells a story of inconsistency. They’re a juggernaut against teams below .500, with an 11-1 record. But against teams at or above .500? A disastrous 11-17. This imbalance is a red flag. For a squad aiming to recreate their 2019-20 championship run, dominating the mediocre won’t cut it. The real test lies ahead.

After the Lakers’ recent loss against the LA Clippers, LeBron made it clear that his team doesn’t have the roster, or the depth to make errors. They cannot afford to make mistakes, and only nearly-perfect basketball can save them from further damage. At the same time, if we’re to believe Shams Charania’s understanding of the team, the Los Angeles Lakers are making a move. Steathily perhaps, in case things don’t work out.

Anyway, they are finding it difficult to sign their dream candidate for the trade market. With their eyes fixed on the Utah Jazz’s $13.3 million star Walker Kessler, the Los Angeles Lakers need to hustle more to acquire him. But then, it depends on what the Jazz would want in this case, as of now, it’s a negative trajectory.

The Los Angeles Lakers hit the wall with failed attempts to sign Jazz’s $13.3M star

The Los Angeles Lakers are pushing hard for Utah’s Walker Kessler, but so far, they’ve come up short. Shams Charania further reported, “They’ve tried to get Walker Kessler many times, but they have not been able to meet that steep price. I’m sure they will keep trying.” With Anthony Davis calling for “another big” to shift him to power forward, the pressure is on. But will L.A. up the ante enough to land their target?

Walker Kessler is under contract through 2025-26 and could hit restricted free agency after that. Earning just $2.9 million, he’s putting up impressive numbers: 11.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in 34 games this season. His low salary and strong play make him a trade asset. For a rebuilding Utah team at 10-32, selling high on their $13.3 million Kessler could be the right move to shape a better future.

The Los Angeles Lakers sit at 25-18, 5th in the West, but shifting Anthony Davis to power forward could preserve his game. Adding a player like Kessler would strengthen the roster, but it won’t come cheap. The Lakers might have to give up a hefty package, and that’s a gamble they may not be ready to take. Their package would also include Rui Hachimura. He would contribute to the Lakers’ depth while benefiting the Jazz as they focus on developing their young core.

So, the Lakers are in a tight spot—star power but no depth. LeBron James and AD want a title, but the roster lacks support. Meanwhile, Walker Kessler could become the key to unlocking the solutions, but the price is steep, and the front office is under pressure to act fast. If they fail to land him, the championship dream could slip away. Or is it too much of a stretch? What do you think?