Telegraphed across the league since the end of the season, the Lakers’ biggest priority this offseason was finding an elite center to pair alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
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Now they’ve done just that. The Lakers are acquiring center Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade deal with the Utah Jazz, sending their unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030 the other way in the deal, ESPN first reported Wednesday morning.
Once the deal is finalized, Kessler will then sign a four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers, making him the center of the future in Los Angeles.
The 7-foot-2 Kessler entered the league in 2022 and has become a top-notch shot blocker, averaging 2.4 blocks per game. He is also a great offensive rebounder, leading the league with 4.6 offensive boards per game in limited action last season. Kessler, 24, spent all but five games of last season injured after suffering a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
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Kessler put up career numbers in the 2024-25 season, recording 11.1 points and 12.2 rebounds per game to go with 2.4 blocks per game. After playing 74 games in his rookie season, Kessler hasn’t played more than 64 games since, showcasing sporadic availability since becoming a starting center for the Jazz during the 2023-24 season.
Deandre Ayton opted into his $8.1 million contract for next season after serving as Lakers’ starting center last season. Kessler immediately leaps Ayton in the lineup, as the Lakers will have to grapple with what to do with Ayton and his role in next year’s roster in the weeks ahead.
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More to come on this story.