Upgrading the center position was a top priority for the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason as getting an ideal big man to pair with superstar guard Luka Doncic is crucial. There are a number of ways for the Lakers to improve the position, but arguably the best options were available via restricted free agency.
Teams often choose not to pursue restricted free agents as it can tie up salary cap space, limiting other potential moves, with no payoff if the original team matches the offer sheet. But in this instance, the Lakers were able to convince the Jazz into a sign-and-trade for draft assets to land Kessler on a big new contract, per Shams Charania of ESPN:
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
Kessler's $130M deal includes a player option in the fourth season, plus a full trade kicker, sources tell ESPN. The Lakers land their signature center for star guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves by moving two firsts and two swaps to the Jazz. https://t.co/7kd6UhvHK9
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2026
Kessler has long been linked to the Lakers as a player they’ve been interested in for years now and the team has now made the move to add him to the fold. Kessler is a physical paint presence who is one of the league’s best rim protectors, averaging 2.4 blocks for his career.
He is also an excellent offensive rebounder, leading the league in the category in 2025 and getting off to a strong start last year as well, also showing off some improved offensive skills. However, he was limited to just five games in 2026 due to a torn labrum ending his season.
As free agency got underway and the Lakers met with Kessler, he immediately emerged as their top option on the market and primary focus. The clearly wanted him bad as they gave up all of their future draft capital to complete the sign-and-trade with Utah, who was hesitant to part with the big man.
What’s next for the Lakers
Now that they have found their center, the Lakers can begin filling out the rest of the roster in free agency with their remaining cap space. They are currently being heavily linked to Sandro Mamukelashvili and Quentin Grimes, but who else they decide to bring in remains to be seen.
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