Los Angeles Lakers Aquire Walker Kessler
Free agency kicked off this week in the NBA, and for the Los Angeles Lakers, there were no bigger holes to fill than at the center position. With Luka Dončić requesting an “A-List” center, the pressure was on. Thankfully, the Lakers have accomplished that task by landing star center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz.
With rumors swirling earlier in the week of Los Angeles losing a litany of players, even possibly LeBron James, this news is music to fans of the Purple and Gold. The Lakers and Walker Kessler have been linked for years now. Danny Ainge’s stingy tactics as GM and disdain for the Lakers have been the only roadblock.
With Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr making big money, it was only a matter of time before Kessler moved. The Lakers now have their big man of the future next to Dončić.
BREAKING: The Los Angeles Lakers are acquiring Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, sources tell ESPN. Kessler will sign a massive four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/rt8b17fEQZ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2026
Walker Kessler
The Los Angeles Lakers were looking for an ‘A-list’ center, and by all means, Walker Kessler is that. While his career has been somewhat hidden in Utah thus far, he’s quietly been one of the better bigs in the league.
At a massive 7’2 and nearly 250lbs, Kessler is a huge paint presence and fits the bill for exactly what the Lakers need. He is a walking double-double who’s averaged nearly 2.5 BPG over the entirety of his career.
According to CraftedNBA, Kessler is in the 99th percentile in TS%, 92nd in ORB, and 98th in BLK%. This is a player who can follow up on any missed shots by Dončić and Reaves to create extra possessions while also covering up their defensive shortcomings on the other end.
Kessler is also one of the league’s most effective rolling bigs. He uses his size not only to set effective screens, but to finish at the rim as well. Halfcourt sets next to Dončić will be nightmarish for opposing defenses.
Last season was cut short for him due to a torn labrum that required season-ending surgery. This is not expected to affect him moving forward.
After years of needing a franchise-caliber center, the Lakers finally have one. Seeing Kessler suit up in a different shade of purple will be must-see television next season. With the all-important center slot now filled, let’s see what LA has in store for the remainder of free agency.
