The Los Angeles Lakers have acquired center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, agreeing to terms on a trade that will send the restricted free agent to Los Angeles and includes a four-year, $130 million contract. Securing a significant big man was a primary objective for the Lakers entering the offseason.
The Lakers will send unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, along with first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, to the Jazz in exchange for Kessler. This move bypasses the potential complexities of dealing with an offer sheet in restricted free agency, allowing the Lakers to secure a center they have long desired.
Kessler is seen as an ideal fit alongside Lakers stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Prior to this trade, Kessler, along with Pistons' big man Jalen Duren, were identified as top targets for the Lakers this offseason to complement their backcourt.
Since being drafted by the Jazz with the No. 22 pick in the 2022 NBA draft, Kessler has averaged 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in 25.3 minutes per game over 201 regular-season contests. He has established himself as one of the league's premier rim protectors. In his first three seasons, Kessler consistently ranked among the top seven in defensive field goal percentage allowed within six feet of the basket, including the No. 3 spot in his rookie and second years.
During the 2024-25 season, Kessler averaged a double-double with 11.1 points and 12.2 rebounds, alongside 2.4 blocks, in his first full season as a starter. He also led the league in offensive rebounds with 4.6 per game that season. In his third season, 2025-26, he recorded 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds (4.6 offensive), 3 assists, and 1.8 blocks across five games before suffering a season-ending torn posterior labrum in his left shoulder that required surgery.
Before his injury, Kessler had begun to expand his shooting range, attempting 1.6 three-pointers per game in the abbreviated 2025-26 season, a significant increase from his previous averages. He made 6 of 8 attempted three-pointers last season, compared to 6 of 34 in 2024-25, 4 of 19 in 2023-24, and 1 of 3 in his rookie year.