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Lakers Trade for Walker Kessler, Sign $130 M Deal

7/1/2026

26 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Lakers Acquire Kessler

The Los Angeles Lakers acquired center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade.
The deal sent the Jazz unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030.
Kessler will sign a four-year, $130 million contract averaging $32.5 million per year.
Los Angeles plans to pair Kessler with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as the core of its post-James era.

Summary

Lakers Add Kessler

The Lakers, who ranked 29th in offensive rebounds per game last season, added Walker Kessler to improve rebounding.
Kessler, back from shoulder surgery, posted 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 70.3% shooting and 2.4 blocks per game, the second-highest among players who entered the league since the 2022-23 season.
Los Angeles now has more than $50 million in cap space after LeBron James declined to return.

History

Historical Context

In 1996 the Lakers reshaped their roster by trading for high-school guard Kobe Bryant and signing free-agent center Shaquille O’Neal to a seven-year, $120 million deal, propelling the team to a 56-26 record and a playoff run. The franchise’s later decision to trade O’Neal in 2004 marked another rebuild, reinforcing a long-standing pattern of retooling around dominant big men.

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Lakers Acquire Kessler

The Los Angeles Lakers acquired center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade.
The deal sent the Jazz unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030.
Kessler will sign a four-year, $130 million contract averaging $32.5 million per year.
Los Angeles plans to pair Kessler with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as the core of its post-James era.

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