Although the Los Angeles Lakers met with restricted free agent Jalen Duren when free agency opened, their primary objective was always to acquire Walker Kessler, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
The Lakers understood that landing the Utah Jazz center would require a significant investment, but they were prepared to pay the cost.
In the sign-and-trade deal, Los Angeles gave up fully unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, along with pick swaps in 2028 and 2030, before signing Kessler to a four-year, $130 million contract.
According to Stein, the Lakers were comfortable making such a substantial commitment because they had surrendered only one first-round pick, their 2029 selection, in the blockbuster trade that brought Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks in February 2025.
Stein also reports that the Lakers’ front office had been assuring Doncic since last offseason that the team would eventually add a high-level center.
The organization believes Kessler is the best big man the Slovenian star has played alongside during his career.
Speaking to Golf Channel while attending the British Open, Doncic expressed optimism about the Lakers’ revamped roster.
“I think we have a really good team. I’m very excited to start a new season. Obviously last season didn’t end how we wanted, so I’m very excited for the new one.”
Stein’s Latest: Duren, Kessler, Z. Williams, Dort https://t.co/wBsShr77t7
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