The Lakers made some notable moves in free agency on Wednesday, including signing Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Collin Sexton. But what’s really striking is how they kicked things off by addressing their biggest needs first.
They completed a significant trade with the Jazz to acquire restricted free agent center Walker Kessler, which has been a long-standing goal for the team. Kessler, standing at 7-foot-2 and weighing 245 pounds, will come to Los Angeles after much anticipation.
Acquiring Kessler came at a steep price. The four-year contract worth $130 million, averaging $32.5 million annually, means Kessler will earn about $30.2 million in the 2026-27 season, positioning him as the 10th highest-paid center in the league, although he might drop to 11th once Jalen Duren signs his next contract.
In this deal, the Lakers sent two unprotected first-round picks to the Jazz, one for 2031 and another for 2033. Additionally, the Jazz has the right to swap first-round picks in 2028 and 2030, which leaves the Lakers without control over their draft picks until 2032, except for swaps. Due to the “Stepien Rule,” a complete exchange can only happen on draft day in 2032.
The Lakers now only possess one second-round pick (2033) that can be added to their trade options, limiting their draft capital for future moves.
Entering free agency with $52 million in cap space, the Lakers are not expected to have such flexibility again anytime soon.
While the cost for Kessler is significant, he was a crucial acquisition for the Lakers this summer to ensure a successful offseason.
It’s natural for fans to feel surprised by Kessler’s contract. Among the twelve centers projected to earn at least $28 million (including Duren), Kessler stands out as the only one without an All-Star title, which makes him seem less accomplished.
But at 24 (turning 25 on July 26), he’s younger than many of his peers and carries the potential not only to achieve All-Star status but also to contend for the All-Defensive Team.
His strengths align perfectly with what the Lakers required. Since entering the league in 2022, Kessler has consistently been one of the best rim protectors, ranking in the top seven for defensive field goal percentage within six feet of the rim during his first three seasons. The Lakers, by contrast, were the second-worst team for rim protection in the 2025-26 season.
With Kessler, opponents take noticeably fewer shots at the rim, showcasing his defensive impact. After trading Anthony Davis to acquire Luka Doncic in February 2025, coach J.J. Redick has had to get creative with paint protection despite a less-than-ideal roster. Now, with Kessler, there’s potential to boost the Lakers’ defensive ranking, which was 18th in 2025-26 and 15th in 2024-25.
Kessler’s versatility allows Redick to deploy him in various roles, although his drop coverage is particularly effective. Most of Kessler’s value lies in defense, but he contributes offensively as well. He excels at screening, which benefits ball handlers like Doncic and Austin Reaves, and his ability to finish at the rim—whether through lobs, dunks, or simple shots—adds to his offensive value.
His rebounding prowess, especially on the offensive end (leading the league with 4.6 offensive boards per game in 2024-25), will be appreciated by the Lakers, who have struggled with offensive rebounding for five consecutive seasons.
One major reason Kessler is worth the expense is that he aligns with Doncic’s preferences; the star guard has indicated a desire for a strong center. Kessler clearly fits that bill, unlike previous options like Deandre Ayton or Jackson Hayes.
Even if Kessler isn’t a perfect player, he is very effective at his strengths and has considerable room for development, making him a solid long-term investment. He complements Doncic well as a big man who protects the rim, reminiscent of the role players who supported Doncic during the 2024 NBA Finals run.
With only two seasons left on Doncic’s current extension—starting in 2026-27 and including a player option for 2028-29—the Lakers couldn’t afford to miss on meeting Doncic’s needs again. They must avoid any dissatisfaction that could arise if the roster fails to support him effectively.
Kessler doesn’t solve every issue for the Lakers, though. They still require more support on the wing and will need young talents like Cameron Carr and Adu Tiello to develop significantly for a competitive edge in the Western Conference.
However, Kessler does address several of their needs and has the potential to be a long-term starter alongside Doncic and Reaves. Essentially, he could become a foundational piece for the franchise, providing Doncic exactly what he desires on the court and alleviating concerns about building a team around him.
While Kessler might not completely justify all sacrifices made by the Lakers to add him, he certainly becomes a key piece of their offseason strategy.
