Team notes say it's unrealistic for the Lakers to trade Kessler! Mini mid-class preferred Capela Paul is the base salary target

10/06/2025 09:56:00 FieldFrenzy

On June 10, Beijing time, Lakers reporter Jovan Buha answered fans' questions on a podcast, and he believes that it is not realistic for the Lakers to trade Kessler because the Jazz ask for an extremely high price. In addition, Buha also mentioned the Lakers' mini-mid-range and base-salary signing targets, with Capela being the first choice for the mini-mid-range, and as for the base-salary signing, he mentioned 40-year-old veteran Chris Paul.

First of all, Buha said he is optimistic about the Lakers' operation this summer. "The key factor is that Doncic's contract extension deadline comes a month after free agency opens, and the Lakers need to show a sense of urgency. Last year's trade for Mark Williams (who failed due to a failed medical exam) was a gesture of favor to Doncic, who is eager to win a championship and doesn't want to be out of the first round, and the Lakers need to build a team around him, James and Reaves in the 1-2 year window. The team has assets such as expiring contracts, draft picks, etc., and with the pressure, it is expected that there will be moves, although it may not be able to become a top team, but there will be positive actions. ”

He then talked about the possibility of a trade for Kessler. Just today there was a report that the Jazz were willing to listen to Kessler's offer, and at that time, some Lakers media thought the team's opportunity had arrived. In response, Buha said: "Theoretically every player is tradable, and there are very few real non-sale items in the league. But the Jazz have a high asking price for Kessler. Last season, it was reported that the Lakers had asked for an offer, and the feedback was that 'the starting price is equivalent to two first-round picks'. Even a first-round pick with Kneckt may not be enough. Before the Lakers traded Mark Williams, if the offer was made to the Jazz, there was a high probability that it would be rejected. The Lakers don't have enough assets, Kessler may be 'priceless', and his price is too high. ”

Some fans asked, can a three-way deal make Kessler more accessible? Buha's reply was, "Possibly." If the Lakers find a third team to provide assets to the Jazz, the Lakers can then provide assets to that team (such as the other party's bullish Hachimura, Vincent, or expiring contracts), which may form a framework, but a three-way deal is more complicated. ”

Buha then mentioned the Lakers' mini-mid-range ($5.7 million) and base salary signing goals.

When it comes to the mini-mid-range, Buha said the preferred signing target is a centre-forward. "Capela, López, Adams. Capela is the best option, with a drop in athleticism but excellent finishers and rebounds; López is spatially capable but relies on counterpoint; Adams is a top-tier substitute but not necessarily a starter. ”

If the mini-mid-range is used to sign on the wing, Buha mentions that the option is Bruce Brown, who thinks Brown may accept the mini-mid-range. As for the third option, Buha mentioned the Warriors' Gary Payton II, who is a defensive player who fits into the Lakers system.

As for the base salary target, Buha's response was: "It's hard to say right now. For example, at this time last year, who would have thought that Gary Trent would sign on a base salary? Some players may have their prices reduced due to the fact that the team did not use the mid-class exception. ”

By location, Buha is as follows-

Center: There are few quality centers in the free market, and Capela, Adams, and Lopes could be signed with a mini-midrange, but Lopes and Capela could be at a premium, and Adams is better suited to the bench. The Nets' Sharpe is good, but he may be in the middle class, and the base salary center options are limited, and Koloko can be considered as the third center.