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9h ago

Lakers Commit $130 Million and Multiple First‑Round Picks to Walker Kessler

Buying Kessler gives the Lakers a rim protector to anchor their defense at the cost of most of their future draft capital.

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka (left) and head coach JJ Redick speak to the media, Image 2 shows Austin Reaves says Luka Doncic is one of his best friends and constantly sends golf swing videos as the Lakers enter a new era without LeBron James, Image 3 shows Walker Kessler wearing a Dodgers jersey and cap, raising his fist on the field

Overview

  • Sunday reporting confirmed the Lakers acquired Walker Kessler in a sign‑and‑trade and signed him to a four‑year, roughly $129–$130 million contract while sending multiple unprotected first‑round picks and pick swaps to Utah.
  • Coach JJ Redick and GM Rob Pelinka say Kessler is a near‑perfect fit next to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves because his rim protection lets the team use less switching and build new drop‑coverage schemes.
  • Utah president Austin Ainge said the Jazz had been open to moving Kessler and were surprised by the size of Los Angeles’s offer, a comment that underlines outside views the Lakers paid a premium.
  • Kessler played only five games last season before undergoing surgery for a torn posterior labrum in his left shoulder, creating real questions about his readiness and durability entering the season.
  • The trade reshapes the Lakers’ short‑term options by reducing tradeable assets and forcing quick on‑court validation; the team and observers will watch preseason work and the Oct. 21 opener as the first tests of the gamble.