According to a report from Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints, the Jazz got "fairly close" to a deal over the offseason to send Kessler to the Lakers, though they ultimately opted not

The Lakers and the Jazz nearly had a trade over the summer surrounding Walker Kessler, but now there's an issue.

We’ve heard rumors before, but it’s clear that the Los Angeles Lakers are very interested in Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. According to Anthony Irwin, the Lakers had talks last offseason and continue to have talks this season about Kessler.