The Los Angeles Lakers continue to grapple with filling the significant gap left by Anthony Davis. Despite signing Deandre Ayton in July 2025 on a two-year, $16 million contract, the 27-year-old center has not yet matched the impact AD had on the franchise. Just as the Lakers’ front office, led by Rob Pelinka, hoped to secure a key star to bolster the roster, recent trade developments have complicated their plans.
On February 3, 2026, the Memphis Grizzlies executed a major trade, sending forward Jaren Jackson Jr. along with John Konchar, Jock Landale, and Vince Williams Jr. to the Utah Jazz. In exchange, Memphis received Walter Clayton Jr., Kyle Anderson, Taylor Hedricks, Georges Niang, plus three future first-round picks. This move sent ripples through the NBA trade market, with potential implications for the Lakers’ interest in Utah’s Walker Kessler, a 24-year-old talent long linked to Los Angeles.
Utah Jazz’s Frontcourt Shuffle and the Lakers’ Lost Opportunity
NBA insider Tony Jones revealed that Utah’s acquisition of Jaren Jackson Jr. does not diminish the Jazz’s commitment to retaining Kyle Anderson and Walker Kessler for their frontcourt. This development means that Kessler, once seen as a potential target for the Lakers, remains unavailable despite speculation to the contrary.
“Thought maybe Kessler would be available after the JJJ trade, but it appears not. https://t.co/Fxxg4VAVbu”
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation)
Utah envisions a frontcourt rotation featuring Jaren Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen, and Kessler, which has effectively removed any realistic chance for the Lakers to acquire Kessler. While Kessler’s impending restricted free agency status had previously made him a difficult trade target, the Jazz’s move to bring in Jackson was expected by some fans to lower the price. Instead, it has solidified Utah’s stance, frustrating Lakers supporters eager for a replacement for Davis.
Fan Backlash Intensifies Against Rob Pelinka
Rob Pelinka is facing mounting criticism from Lakers fans for failing to secure an adequate replacement for Anthony Davis. Fans argue that Pelinka’s inability to execute a trade for Kessler, despite multiple attempts over recent seasons including 2023-24 and 2024-25, reflects poorly on his management of the team’s roster.
One fan sharply commented on social media:
“Glad he’s not, because it would just give Rob another excuse for not doing anything by the deadline,”
Fans have pointed out that Utah’s high trade demands – often requiring a player like Austin Reaves plus multiple first-round picks – have been too steep for the Lakers’ available assets, and Pelinka never followed through on offers rumored to approach those levels. The resulting frustration is now boiling over.
Another fan wrote bluntly:
“Lakers owner needs to fire Pelinka and get rid of Jeannie Buss.”
Compared to previous years, the Lakers have been unusually quiet in this trade period. With Memphis offloading Jaren Jackson Jr., many believed the Lakers would seize an opportunity to pursue Kessler or other targets. However, this apparent hesitation has fueled loud demands for change in leadership from parts of the Lakers fanbase.
Emotions have further escalated with calls for Pelinka’s dismissal and for Jeanie Buss, the Lakers governor, to reconsider her management strategy. A fan pleaded:
“Jesus, Rob is completely useless. @JeanieBuss, y’all are going to lose Luka. Use that thing in your skull called a brain and remove Rob.”
This expresses the fear that mishandling trade opportunities might result in the Lakers losing prized free agent target Luka Doncic if the roster isn’t sufficiently strengthened.
Possible Trade Alternatives and Fan Proposals
While Kessler remains out of reach, fans have suggested alternate options to improve the Lakers’ interior defense. One suggestion is pursuing Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen. Supporters believe that by offering a first-round pick, along with an expiring contract to ease Cleveland’s salary cap concerns, plus a young prospect like Dalton Knecht, the Lakers could enhance their frontcourt.
“He is the same age as Luka. Lakers can offer an expiring contract to help Cavs’ money issues, a reasonable draft asset, and a young prospect in Knecht that will surely average 20 points in that city.”
Still, fans remain anxious about the looming trade deadline and the Lakers’ inactivity. One desperate supporter warned:
“This is either Gabe/Dalton/Maxi’s final 48 hours with the Lakers or my final 48 hours, up to them!”
This reflects discontent with both player movement and rumors swirling around key pieces like Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, and Maxi Kleber. The lack of progress amidst speculation about Doncic’s free agency status has left many fans threatening to stop following the team if no significant action takes place within the next 48 hours.
Lakers Face High Pressure as Trade Deadline Nears
As NBA trade markets heat up with moves targeting multiple franchises, the Lakers find themselves under increasing pressure to act. The void left by Anthony Davis remains unfilled, and Walker Kessler is once again out of reach due to Utah’s firm stance. This challenging scenario places Rob Pelinka and the front office in a difficult position amid growing fan outrage.
The significance of these developments cannot be overstated: the Lakers’ ability to improve their roster ahead of the postseason is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and attracting top talent like Luka Doncic. Failure to secure a high-impact player to replace Davis could have long-term consequences on the franchise’s future success and fan engagement.
With the February trade deadline looming, all eyes remain on the Lakers organization to see whether they can navigate this complex market and answer the demands of their passionate fanbase.
Thought maybe Kessler would be available after the JJJ trade, but it appears not. https://t.co/Fxxg4VAVbu
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) February 3, 2026
