The Los Angeles Lakers entered the NBA offseason with a clear objective: strengthen the roster around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves after the departure of LeBron James. That effort led the franchise to complete a major sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz for standout center Walker Kessler, a move that was initially praised by many around the league.
Kessler’s arrival addressed one of the Lakers’ biggest weaknesses by giving the team a proven defensive center capable of protecting the rim and complementing its offensive stars. Los Angeles also added several rotation pieces, reinforcing the belief that the organization had assembled a more balanced roster heading into the new season.
However, excitement surrounding the Lakers’ offseason shifted dramatically just hours later when the Philadelphia 76ers completed a blockbuster trade for Jaylen Brown. The unexpected deal immediately prompted questions about whether other contenders, including Los Angeles, had missed an opportunity to acquire one of the league’s premier two-way wings.
Among those raising the possibility was CBS Sports reporter Sam Quinn, whose comments ignited debate about whether the Lakers should have prioritized Brown over Kessler. While the hypothetical scenario remains impossible to answer definitively, it has become one of the offseason’s most discussed “what-if” questions.
1. Lakers Addressed a Major Need
From a roster-building standpoint, acquiring Walker Kessler made considerable sense for Los Angeles. The team had spent months searching for a reliable interior presence after failing to secure a long-term solution at center before the 2026 trade deadline.
Kessler brings elite shot-blocking ability, strong rebounding, and defensive versatility, qualities that fit well alongside offensive playmakers such as Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. His arrival gives the Lakers a traditional center capable of anchoring the defense while allowing the team’s perimeter players greater flexibility.
The organization also continued reshaping its roster by adding Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, and Sandro Mamukelashvili. Those moves reflected a broader strategy of improving depth and surrounding its core players with complementary talent following LeBron James’ departure.
At the time, many observers viewed the Lakers’ offseason as productive and well-balanced. Addressing multiple areas of need suggested the franchise was focused on building a roster capable of competing immediately in the Western Conference.
2. Brown Trade Changes the Conversation
That perception changed when Philadelphia acquired Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics in one of the most surprising trades of the offseason. Brown, a five-time All-Star and 2024 NBA Finals MVP, suddenly became available at a price that many considered lower than expected.
The move prompted Quinn to wonder whether the Lakers could have assembled a competitive offer for Brown instead of using significant draft capital to acquire Kessler. He suggested Los Angeles might have pursued Brown first before addressing the center position through a later trade.
Such a strategy, Quinn argued, could have allowed the Lakers to add another elite wing while exploring the possibility of moving Austin Reaves for a frontcourt player at a future trade deadline if necessary.
Although purely speculative, the comments resonated with fans because Brown represents one of the NBA’s premier two-way players. His championship experience, scoring ability, and defensive versatility would have made him an attractive addition for virtually any contender.
3. Evaluating the Cost of Each Move
One of the main reasons the debate gained momentum was the comparison between the assets exchanged in each deal. Reports indicated the Lakers surrendered two unprotected first-round picks along with two first-round pick swaps to acquire Kessler from Utah.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia landed Brown by sending Paul George, two first-round selections, and two second-round picks to Boston. While the financial aspects of the transactions differed, some analysts questioned whether Los Angeles could have assembled a similarly competitive package.
Any comparison, however, remains largely theoretical. Salary-matching requirements, negotiations between front offices, and each team’s internal priorities all influence whether a trade can realistically be completed, making it difficult to determine whether Boston would have accepted an offer from Los Angeles.
For now, the Lakers appear committed to the roster they have assembled, believing Kessler fills a critical need in the frontcourt. At the same time, Brown’s surprising move to Philadelphia has inevitably fueled discussion about alternative paths Los Angeles might have explored during one of the NBA’s most eventful offseasons.