The big update from the weekend was LeBron James exercising his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season. But that decision came with a caveat. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all,” said agent Rich Paul. With Luka Doncic already alongside, the team is yet to address their Center problems. But Walker Kessler’s off-court move is creating a lot of buzz for the Lakers Nation.

“You’ll never guess who Walker Kessler just followed on Instagram…” A tweet about the 23-year-old’s activity was trending on X. The photo was a screenshot of the followers list of the 7-foot-tall Jazz star. Yes, it had Luka Doncic as one of the players from the Lakers roster to whom Walker Kessler followed. Looking to sign a rim protector has always been a priority for Rob Pelinka and co. They missed out on Mark Williams at the 2025 deadline, but apparently, the move for Kessler is heating up behind the scenes as well.

Previously, ESPN insider Dave McMenamin reported that the Lakers were connected to talks for Kessler this past week. He was not the only name on the list, as a potential move for Miami Heat wing Andrew Wiggins was also reported.

“Kessler was one of the centers L.A. inquired about last season before the Williams trade, sources told ESPN, but Utah’s asking price — multiple first-round picks — was too steep,” McMenamin continued. “Beyond his age fitting with Doncic’s timeline, Kessler is owed only $4.9 million next season and would have a relatively small cap hold in the summer of 2026, allowing L.A. to pursue other free agents along with holding his Bird rights to be able to extend him.”

According to the reported news, the 5-star recruit could be part of the team and provide a lob threat that Luka Doncic was looking for. Plus, the social media of following the 5x All-Star Slovenian added fuel and confirmation bias that the fanbase is looking for. With the move for the 23-year-old in discussion and social media activity, fans have chimed in with positive thoughts.

Walker Kessler’s approval gains momentum in Los Angeles

Jazz finished the 2024-25 season in the dead last position. In order to improve their position, they drafted two young guards in Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr. Another move that they made recently was acquiring another Big. “The Utah Jazz are trading Collin Sexton and a 2030 second-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for Jusuf Nurkic.” Securing the services of the Bosnian Center and the social media activity of Walker Kessler, an eagerly waiting Lakers fan wrote, “Kessler to the Lakers confirmed?”

While another fan was surprised to find out about the social media activity and was simply perplexed. “Wtf“. Interestingly, the fans then went into the rabbit hole and found out more about Walker Kessler’s followers’ list. And it was not just Luka Doncic that the Jazz star was following. “Following reaves born and vando too.” Yes, add three more stars to that list: LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Austin Reaves. Once a user pointed this fact out, another one connected more dots about the Jazz center’s history.

“And he played with reaves on team USA.” The 23-year-old was part of the 2023 FIBA World Cup roster alongside Reaves. Even though in the tournament, Walker Kessler did not have minutes to showcase his true ability. Apart from the final game that the Team USA lost to Canada, where he played 16 minutes, his playing time overall was less. With just 8 minutes on average, the Jazz star ended with 4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. With a team needing a center desperately, is he the solution that Rob Pelinka was looking for?

A fan chimed in with the same question. “Good thinking to check. Is Rob cooking?” The 7-footer scored 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds (including a league-leading 4.6 offensive rebounds) and 2.4 blocks in his third season with the Jazz. Apart from him, the Lakers also have registered interest in Onyeka Okongwu, Nic Claxton, Robert Williams III, Clint Capela, Al Horford, and Brook Lopez. It will be interesting to see who they nail among these players or select a new player altogether.