Lakers acquiring Walker Kessler in sign-and-trade with Jazz

Published: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at 3:36 pm

Lakers Secure Promising Big Man Walker Kessler in Sign-and-Trade Deal

The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant move to address one of their primary offseason objectives, acquiring center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade agreement. This deal brings a highly-touted big man into the Lakers' fold, aiming to bolster their frontcourt for both the present and the future.

Under the terms of the trade, the Lakers will send unprotected first-round draft picks in 2031 and 2033, along with first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, to the Jazz. In exchange, Los Angeles will receive Kessler, who is a restricted free agent. Following the trade, Kessler is set to sign a four-year contract extension worth $130 million with the Lakers.

Kessler was identified as a key target for the Lakers this offseason, alongside another restricted free agent, Jalen Duren of the Pistons. The intention is to pair him with their star backcourt duo of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. By executing a trade rather than waiting to match an offer sheet, the Lakers have proactively secured a player they believe is an ideal fit for their system, particularly alongside Doncic, who has historically thrived with dominant centers.

Since being drafted by the Jazz with the 22nd overall pick in 2022, Kessler has demonstrated considerable promise. In 201 regular season games, he has averaged 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per contest. He has established himself as one of the league's premier rim protectors, consistently ranking among the top defenders in defensive field goal percentage allowed within six feet of the basket. In his first full season as a starter in 2024-25, Kessler achieved a double-double average of 11.1 points and 12.2 rebounds, while also leading the league in offensive rebounds with 4.6 per game.

In the 2025-26 season, prior to suffering a season-ending torn posterior labrum in his left shoulder that required surgery, Kessler's offensive game showed signs of expansion. He averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.8 blocks over five games. Notably, he increased his three-point attempts to 1.6 per game, a significant jump from his earlier seasons, and showed improved accuracy from beyond the arc.

BNN's Perspective: The Lakers' acquisition of Walker Kessler represents a strategic investment in their frontcourt. By securing a player with proven defensive capabilities and a developing offensive game, they signal a commitment to building a more balanced and formidable roster. While the draft compensation is substantial, the potential for Kessler to become a cornerstone big man alongside their existing stars could prove to be a worthwhile trade-off for long-term success.

Tags: Walker Kessler, Lakers, Jazz, sign-and-trade, big man, center, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Jalen Duren, restricted free agent, draft picks, contract, rim protector, rebounds, blocks, offensive rebounds, shooting range, torn posterior labrum

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