The Los Angeles Lakers have checked off arguably their biggest box heading into this offseason by landing starting center Walker Kessler. The former Utah Jazz big is one of the best rim protectors in the sport, and the Lakers are hoping that playing next to Luka Doncic can help unlock some of his offensive tools as well.
L.A. paid a hefty price to get Kessler, though. Not only did they give him a brand new four-year, $130 million contract, but they paid two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps to the Jazz to help facilitate the deal for the 24-year-old restricted free agent. The two things combined have shown Kessler how much the Lakers believe in him, a huge motivating factor for the young center.
“Yeah, you know it definitely makes you feel a certain way, when you know an organization believes in you,” Kessler said in his first media availability. “I think with what they’ve invested, they’re showing that belief in monetary value, not just money but assets. And for me, I’m somebody that, if I know that they have that belief in me, I’m gonna run through a brick wall for them. That’s just how I’ve been wired my whole life, and it definitely makes it a lot easier to go out and compete for a team.”
The Lakers are known for taking care of their stars, and Kessler joins that crew alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves. He spoke about how the franchise has been so far in welcoming him to L.A.
“Yeah, it’s been great. They’ve been super welcoming, the transition has been really smooth. Obviously, like I said before, I’m still learning names. That’s probably the hardest thing right now, but yeah, it’s been great.”
Kessler is one of the rare players to be able to switch teams in restricted free agency, a process that other top RFAs — Jalen Duren and Peyton Watson — are currently struggling with. He was asked about how it was for him to be restricted and how he’s feeling now.
“Like you said, it’s not the most fun thing. But business is business,” Kessler said. “I won’t knock anything. I think everything happens for a reason, and the fact that I’m here now, I think there’s something to be said about that. That’s how it’s supposed to be.”
The Lakers and Kessler agreed to terms almost immediately after the start of free agency, showing the mutual interest between the two sides. That is part of why Kessler seems motivated and ready to give his all to the purple and gold, where he is now under contract for at least the next three seasons.
Walker Kessler fully recovered from shoulder injury
Kessler played only five games last season with a torn labrum in his left shoulder. That led to some concerns over whether or not he will be ready to go immediately for the Lakers, but it seems all of those concerns are nonexistent on his end.
“It’s great,” Kessler said. “Feels better than it’s ever felt in my life. It’s been cleared. Feels strong, feels mobile. Yeah, feels great.”
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