The Laker Nation had been praying, and Rob Pelinka did the listening. Parting ways with D’Angelo Russell and Lewis, the Lakers brought in solid additions to fill the holes in their roster. Dorian Finney-Smith brings with him defensive versatility and floor spacing while Melton adds a range of scoring. In the hands of a tactical obsessor like JJ Redick, this could mean great things for the Purple and Gold. But business could be far from over.

Pelinka only packaged second-round picks for the trade with the Nets. And with the first-round picks still on hand, Shams Charania suspects another deal is in the works. “I am told the Lakers will remain open on potential deals,” the ESPN insider commented. Well, Trevor Lane wanted to make the process easier for the Lakers.

The Laker Nation host proposed a trade that would add depth to their center spot, giving Anthony Davis some relief. He wants the franchise to chase after Walker Kessler, the Jazz’s emphatic shot-blocking center. The deal would send Rui Hachimura, Jaxson Hayes, and Hood-Schifino along with two first-round picks in exchange for Kessler and Collin Sexton.

“Who says no?” he put the question forth. The trade for Dorian Finney-Smith holds a key place if such a move did go through. As the Lakers took back less salary, they dipped to $3.5 million below the second apron. They also saved $11.2 million in taxes. In order to make a deal with the Jazz, the Lakers will accept $2 million more in salaries which is only possible due to the prior trade.

The question though is will such a move help?

The answer to the Lakers’ defensive woes?

In recent games, the fatigue has set in for Anthony Davis. Aside from being the offensive lever, AD also stands as the lone paint protector for the Lakers. A trade for Kessler would solve those woes for the Purple and Gold. The Jazz center is among the leading shot-blockers in the NBA, ranking only behind Victor Wembanyama.

Moreover, the 23-year-old is also a force when it comes to offensive rebounding. He averages 4 per game, the best mark in the NBA. For a team struggling with their play on the glass, Kessler could fit into such a role under JJ Redick. When playing against taller lineups, would also give the Lakers a stacked team with Davis, Kessler, and LeBron James all being on the floor.

His ask on offense is going to be limited. The sacrifice is what is being questioned by the Laker fans. Rui Hachimura, a dynamic forward remains a consistent scoring threat and one of the best shooters on the roster. Parting ways with him could be painful. But with Finney-Smith in, they have a credible starter who can replace Hachimura.

The conundrum the Lakers could possibly face is Kessler agreeing to come off the bench. At just 23 years old, he is one of the promising centers in the NBA itching for a starting role. If he joins the Lakers, his involvement will significantly wane, although the potential to win will see a greater rise.

Convincing Danny Ainge is another obstacle. However, with all the tangibles, Walker Kessler could inject flexibility into the lineup which currently the Lakers lack. Positioning Anthony Davis as a forward and having the Jazz shot blocker star is another way to go. The possibilities to experiment truly seem endless.

And the Lakers might want to pursue such a move with greater ferocity given their position.