Story perspectives

Lakers Sign Walker Kessler to $130 Million Deal

By Drooid · Sep 25, 2026, 2:26 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Lakers Sign Kessler

Lakers signed center Walker Kessler to a four-year, $130 million contract.
Lakers gave guard Austin Reaves a four-year, $180 million extension.
Head coach JJ Redick said the roster centers on Luka Doncic, the franchise cornerstone this season.
Lakers added free agents Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, and center Kevon Looney.
Rob Pelinka added over 15 staff members to boost scouting and development.

Summary

LeBron Signs 76ers

LeBron James signed a two-year, $4 million-per-season contract with the 76ers after they acquired Jaylen Brown.
Jaylen Brown’s earlier comment doubting Bronny James’s professionalism strained his relationship with LeBron before free agency.
Draymond Green called nepotism accusations against Bronny “blasphemous” during a podcast appearance.
Bronny James enters his third Lakers season, expected to compete for rotation minutes without his father.

History

Historical Context

When the NBA reinstated a $4.6 million salary cap for the 1984-85 season, it created a soft-cap system that lets teams exceed the limit via exceptions and a luxury tax. In 2024 the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers are committing over $300 million in payroll, illustrating how the league’s long-standing cap structure fuels ever-larger star-centric rosters.

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Lakers Sign Kessler

Lakers signed center Walker Kessler to a four-year, $130 million contract.
Lakers gave guard Austin Reaves a four-year, $180 million extension.
Head coach JJ Redick said the roster centers on Luka Doncic, the franchise cornerstone this season.
Lakers added free agents Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, and center Kevon Looney.
Rob Pelinka added over 15 staff members to boost scouting and development.

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