Walker Kessler Trade Details: Lakers Acquire Center for Luka Doncic, Empty Draft Capital in Deal with Jazz
The deal includes a fourth-year player option and full trade kicker, while Utah receives two unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps.
- On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade deal. Kessler will sign a four-year, $130 million contract with the Lakers, including a player option and trade kicker.
- Kessler reportedly grew unhappy in Utah after failing to reach an extension last year. The Jazz previously offered a five-year deal worth nearly $140 million, but Kessler's representation rejected the proposal.
- Utah will receive unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, plus first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030. The 7-foot rim protector, who averaged 2.4 blocks per game in his last healthy season, provides the defensive anchor Los Angeles needs.
- Following LeBron James' departure, the Lakers moved to pair Kessler with guard Austin Reaves and forward Luka Doncic. The acquisition marks the team's first major roster move after losing its franchise anchor.
- Analyst Kevin O'Connor posted on X that the Jazz "make out like bandits" with the deal. Utah now holds a $15 million mid-level exception to pursue additional roster upgrades this offseason.
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NBA: Walker Kessler going to Lakers, will get a 4-year deal
Walker Kessler is being traded by the Utah Jazz to the Los Angeles Lakers, who will have the center under contract for the next four NBA seasons and for a total of about $130 million, a person with knowledge of the agreement said Wednesday. The Jazz are getting two first-round draft picks and two first-round pick swaps out of the deal, according to the person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the move is a sign-…
According to the well-informed journalist Shams Charania, the Lakers have also brought in their first reinforcements after the departures of LeBron James, Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard. Center Walker Kessler is coming to the City of Angels from the Utah Jazz, who will sign a four-year contract worth $ 130 million. With Kessler, the Lakers will get much-needed reinforcement under the rim. In addition to the center, the Lakers are also coming to t…
Lakers get their new center. How Walker Kessler, three free agents fit with Luka Doncic
The Lakers reloaded a day after LeBron James left the team, trading for the young center while adding free agents Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton and Quentin Grimes.
NBA Trade Rumor: LA Gets Their Big Man For Luka Doncic With Blockbuster Walker Kessler Deal
The Los Angeles Lakers have landed Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a blockbuster sign-and-trade, giving the young center a four-year, $130 million contract to strengthen their frontcourt.
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