Lakers Start Walker Kessler After High‑Cost Sign‑and‑Trade

Overview

• Walker Kessler is the Lakers’ expected starting center for Wednesday’s season opener and says he is fully healthy after last season’s shoulder surgery.
• Los Angeles acquired Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign‑and‑trade that cost two unprotected first‑round picks, two first‑round pick swaps and a four‑year, roughly $130 million contract.
• The team plans to use Kessler as a rim‑running lob threat and primary rim protector to complement Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, and coaches and teammates have publicly backed the move.
• Durability remains the main concern because Kessler played only five games in 2025‑26 before labrum surgery and missed limited preseason time with a jammed pinky.
• The trade raises short‑term pressure on the Lakers to produce now because lost draft capital reduces future flexibility if Kessler cannot stay available for extended stretches.