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Why Lakers are acquiring Walker Kessler from Jazz in blockbuster sign-and-trade originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers have found their center for the future.
In a blockbuster sign-and-trade, the Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz to appease Luka Doncic.
“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,” ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday. “Kessler will sign a massive four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers.”
The Lakers have been linked to Kessler for quite some time. Last offseason, there were rumors that the franchise could trade for the do-it-all 7-foot-2 center, but the franchise settled for Deandre Ayton to fill their frontcourt void.
Although Ayton will return to the Lakers in 2026-27 following an inconsistent 2025-26 season, it was wise for Los Angeles to add a more reliable big man to the fold to give them the lob threat and interior defender they needed to flourish.
Kessler has enjoyed a successful career in the big leagues thus far, averaging 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game in 201 outings, shooting 68.1% from the field.
While the Lakers also had their eyes on Detroit Pistons star center Jalen Duren, the organization ultimately decided that Kessler was the better long-term fit.
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