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Kessler Becomes Lakers' New Franchise Star, LeBron Exits

7/10/2026

39 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Kessler Takes Lead

The Los Angeles Lakers will debut center Kessler as their franchise player after none of the starters who helped the team take a 3-0 playoff lead over the Rockets return.
An SB Nation Reacts survey named Kessler the most exciting new Laker.
Luka Doncic reportedly said he wanted Kessler on the Lakers.
LeBron James has left the Lakers, is seeking a new team, and most surveyed fans oppose his return.

Summary

Lakers Trade Kessler

Lakers traded Walker Kessler to Utah Jazz for 2031 and 2033 first-round picks and 2028-2030 swap rights, leaving only a 2032 swap and about $50 million cap space.
Utah avoided a $32.5 million-per-year salary by moving Kessler, preserving cap flexibility.
Utah added several young players, including Ace Bailey and No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson, to offset Kessler’s loss.
Utah signed veteran wing Josh Okogie to a two-year, $12 million contract.

History

Historical Context

After the Lakers shipped Shaquille O'Neal to the Miami Heat on July 14 2004—sending his $33 million salary for Lamar Odom, Caron Butler and a first-round pick—the franchise has repeatedly turned star contracts into draft assets. In 2024 it traded rookie Walker Kessler to the Utah Jazz for 2031 and 2033 first-round picks, preserving roughly $50 million of cap space.

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Kessler Takes Lead

The Los Angeles Lakers will debut center Kessler as their franchise player after none of the starters who helped the team take a 3-0 playoff lead over the Rockets return.
An SB Nation Reacts survey named Kessler the most exciting new Laker.
Luka Doncic reportedly said he wanted Kessler on the Lakers.
LeBron James has left the Lakers, is seeking a new team, and most surveyed fans oppose his return.

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