After years of eyeing him from afar and multiple failed attempts to pry him from Utah, the Los Angeles Lakers are acquiring standout big man Walker Kessler in a blockbuster sign-and-trade. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Kessler will put pen to paper on a four-year, $130 million contract. Meanwhile, LA is sending two unprotected first-round picks (2031, 2033) and two first-round pick swaps (2028, 2030), absorbing his salary into their reported $52 million in cap space.
Lakers Land Walker Kessler in Sign-and-Trade Stunner
Despite missing the majority of this season due to left shoulder surgery, Kessler was effective in the five games he played, averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks while shooting 70% from the field. In four seasons with the Jazz, the former 22nd overall pick put up 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game.
The Lakers, per sources, get the center pairing for Luka Dončić that they wanted, navigating the restricted free agency waters at a steep cost. But they get their center of the future. https://t.co/cKG8SOIkeX
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 1, 2026
Kessler gives the Lakers the kind of rim running and shot blocking big who will thrive alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, a massive and worthy investment as the team enters its next era. In addition to his defense and agility, he will particularly help the team on the offensive glass, having averaged a league-best 4.6 per game this season and 3.4 for his career. The acquisition also came amid growing pressure on president/GM Rob Pelinka, who—in the last 24 hours—lost out on Luke Kennard (Phoenix Suns) and Marcus Smart (Houston Rockets) in addition to LeBron James’ decision to move on after eight seasons.
The Lakers have finally addressed their starting center position with a big man who fits the group like a glove. As for who could back Kessler up, the Lakers could indeed take a flier on the Raptors’ breakout big man, Sandro Mamukelashvili. He’s a bruising, floor-spacing five who averaged a career-best 11.2 points per game while shooting 52.3% from the field and 38.3% from three. And in addition to shoring up the middle, the team will also need to find more athletic two-way wings, which was their other long-standing priority heading into this offseason.
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