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July 1 marked the official start of the new league year in the NBA with the start of free agency. The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to improve after a 2025-26 season which saw them finish in first place in the Pacific Division and advance to the second round of the NBA Playoffs before getting bounced by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Of course, next year marks the start of a new era for the team. LeBron James is not returning to the team, which leaves a pretty massive hole in their frontcourt. That said, although the new league year has only been active for a day, the Lakers have already made efforts to address their needs.
Los Angeles traded for Utah center Walker Kessler, sending unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 as well as two first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030 in order to bring him to the city of angels.
More: Lakers trade for Jazz's Walker Kessler, give big man a massive payday
But that wasn't the only deal the Lakers made today.
The Lakers also signed former Raptors big man Sandro Mamukelashvili to a fully guaranteed four-year, $52 million deal with a player option for the fourth year.
The Lakers have certainly added some depth to their frontcourt with these moves, but they're likely far from done for the offseason. Everyone knows that this organization can make a massive trade or convince a big-time free agent to join them on a moment's notice. With that in mind, here is a full list of the Lakers' offseason transactions.
More: NBA free agency LIVE updates: LeBron rumors, Lakers make major moves
Walker Kessler stats:
Kessler played in just five games for the Jazz in 2025-26, sidelined for most of the year with a shoulder injury. In his last full season, Kessler averaged over 11 points per game and actually led the league in offensive rebounds per game with 4.6.
Sandro Mamukelashvili stats:
Mamukelashvili played in 80 games for the Raptors, providing crucial minutes off the bench for a team that massively exceeded expectations during the regular season. He averaged 11.2 points per game on 52.3% shooting while grabbing 4.9 boards per game. Mamukelashvili's efforts last season earned him tenth place in Sixth Man of the Year award voting.
James will not return to the Lakers next season. Reports indicate that James informed the Lakers of his decision to go elsewhere on June 30.
James is now open to signing with other teams going into his 24th season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Los Angeles Lakers offseason moves: LeBron out, Walker Kessler and others in
Continue reading...
Of course, next year marks the start of a new era for the team. LeBron James is not returning to the team, which leaves a pretty massive hole in their frontcourt. That said, although the new league year has only been active for a day, the Lakers have already made efforts to address their needs.
Los Angeles traded for Utah center Walker Kessler, sending unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 as well as two first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030 in order to bring him to the city of angels.
More: Lakers trade for Jazz's Walker Kessler, give big man a massive payday
But that wasn't the only deal the Lakers made today.
The Lakers also signed former Raptors big man Sandro Mamukelashvili to a fully guaranteed four-year, $52 million deal with a player option for the fourth year.
The Lakers have certainly added some depth to their frontcourt with these moves, but they're likely far from done for the offseason. Everyone knows that this organization can make a massive trade or convince a big-time free agent to join them on a moment's notice. With that in mind, here is a full list of the Lakers' offseason transactions.
More: NBA free agency LIVE updates: LeBron rumors, Lakers make major moves
Lakers offseason transactions
July 1
- Lakers trade for center Walker Kessler (two first-round picks, two first-round pick swaps)
Walker Kessler stats:
Kessler played in just five games for the Jazz in 2025-26, sidelined for most of the year with a shoulder injury. In his last full season, Kessler averaged over 11 points per game and actually led the league in offensive rebounds per game with 4.6.
- Lakers sign Sandro Mamukelashvili to a four-year, $52 million deal
Sandro Mamukelashvili stats:
Mamukelashvili played in 80 games for the Raptors, providing crucial minutes off the bench for a team that massively exceeded expectations during the regular season. He averaged 11.2 points per game on 52.3% shooting while grabbing 4.9 boards per game. Mamukelashvili's efforts last season earned him tenth place in Sixth Man of the Year award voting.
Will LeBron James return to Lakers for 2026-27?
James will not return to the Lakers next season. Reports indicate that James informed the Lakers of his decision to go elsewhere on June 30.
James is now open to signing with other teams going into his 24th season.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: Los Angeles Lakers offseason moves: LeBron out, Walker Kessler and others in
Continue reading...
