The Los Angeles Lakers finalize a long-rumored deal to acquire center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz through a sign-and-trade. Multiple outlets report the Lakers sign Kessler to a four-year, $130 million contract that includes a player option and a full trade kicker. In return, the Lakers send the Jazz valuable draft compensation: unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, described as a steep price tag for the offseason. The trade is framed as a major roster need fulfillment, with sources citing the Lakers’ priority to add a rim-protecting frontcourt player. Some reporting also links the move to Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić’s desire for the Lakers to improve their center position and identify Kessler as a top target. Following the Kessler acquisition, the Lakers’ offseason activity continues with additional signings, including Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili, among others, though the Kessler transaction remains the central headline-grabbing move. Overall, coverage focuses on the scale of the contract and the draft capital exchanged for a young center.
Lakers acquire Walker Kessler in $130 million sign-and-trade with Jazz, sending multiple picks
The Los Angeles Lakers finalize a long-rumored deal to acquire center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz through a sign-and-trade. Multiple outlets report the Lakers sign Kessler to a four-year, $130 m...
- The Lakers acquire Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade.
- Kessler signs a four-year, $130 million contract that includes a player option and a full trade kicker.
- Utah receives multiple first-round assets from Los Angeles: unprotected picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030.
- Several reports identify Kessler as a top target and a key need for the Lakers, particularly for rim protection.
- The Lakers continue their offseason with other signings after landing Kessler.
Walker Kessler is no longer a member of the Utah Jazz. After months of rumors, the soon-to-be fifth-year center will be suiting up for the Los Angeles Lakers. While the Jazz could’ve matched the Lakers’ offer, they ultimately chose financial flexibility over Kessler. The final Walker Kessler trade is certainly leading to mixed reactions about what […] The post Utah Jazz Fans Should Not Panic About the Walker Kessler Trade appeared first on The Lead.
1 month agoThe Lakers paid a hefty price to land Walker Kessler, and the new $130 million center is embracing the expectations. Kessler says he’s ready to “run through a brick wall” for Los Angeles and is already looking forward to teaming up with Luka Dončić.
1 month agoIt is official: Walker Kessler, the defensive-minded center the Lakers have wanted for a while, is officially a member of their roster.
1 month agoWalker Kessler is officially a Laker and is primed to fill big shoes while carrying big expectations.
1 month agoThe Los Angeles Lakers acquired center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade this week, signing him to a four-year, $130 million contract that includes a player option and full trade kicker. The Lakers sent Utah unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 along with first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, one of the steepest offseason price tags in recent memory. The move was driven largely by Luka Doncic's desire for an elite rim-protecting center, with reports indicating Kessler was his top target.
1 month agoIn light of the Lakers’ 35-minute free-agency splurge Wednesday morning, which netted them Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton, and the dissection of each of those agreements, what can’t...
1 month ago
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