Kessler to Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers Acquire Walker Kessler from Utah Jazz in $130 Million Sign-and-Trade Deal
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The Los Angeles Lakers have landed defensive anchor Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz, agreeing to a four-year, $130 million deal, ESPN reported on July 1. The Lakers sent two unprotected first-round picks — in 2031 and 2033 — plus first-round swap rights in 2028 and 2030 to secure the 7-foot-2 center.
Kessler averaged 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game in 2024–25, shooting 70.2% from the field, according to The Sporting Tribune. He is now set to become the defensive cornerstone of a Lakers team already built around Luka Dončić.
How the Jazz-Lakers Deal Came Together
Kessler rejected a five-year, $140 million offer from Utah in mid-June, choosing to test restricted free agency, according to Locked On Jazz. The Jazz issued a qualifying offer on June 29, keeping his rights but opening the door for a sign-and-trade.
Late-night meetings between Kessler's camp and Lakers management on June 30 sealed the deal, The Salt Lake Tribune reported. Agent Aaron Mintz of CAA Sports negotiated the four-year structure, which includes a player option in year four and a 15% trade kicker.
Kessler Fills the Lakers' Biggest Defensive Need
The Lakers spent two seasons searching for an elite rim protector to pair with Dončić. Luka reportedly pushed for an "A-list center" to anchor the starting lineup, per The Sporting Tribune. Kessler's 2.4 blocks per game made him the top target once Utah talks broke down.
Rob Pelinka called securing a "signature center" a franchise priority, according to Hoops Rumors. Analysts argue the Lakers don't need offense from the center spot — they need someone to protect the rim while Dončić creates everywhere else.
Deandre Ayton's Future Now Uncertain in LA
The same day the Kessler deal broke, Deandre Ayton exercised his $8.1 million player option for 2026–27, per ESPN. Ayton had joined the Lakers on a two-year, $16.2 million deal after a Portland Trail Blazers buyout in 2025.
With Kessler now locked in, the Lakers are expected to shop Ayton aggressively, according to Lake Show Life. His expiring $8.1 million deal could be packaged with other assets to land a veteran wing, helping offset a payroll that now includes massive contracts for Dončić, Austin Reaves ($185 million extension), and Kessler.
Utah Gets Draft Capital, Lakers Bet on Dončić Era
The Jazz avoided losing Kessler for nothing. By securing two unprotected firsts and two swap rights, Utah now holds one of the deepest collections of future assets in the league, per RealGM. Jazz president Austin Ainge called the rebuild "patience-based," centered on prospects like Cameron Boozer.
The Lakers are taking a clear long-term bet. Trading unprotected picks in 2031 and 2033 means the franchise is banking on Dončić staying elite in Los Angeles for the next decade, BasketNews noted. The deal pushes the team toward the NBA's "second apron," which limits their ability to add players via buyouts or mid-level exceptions starting in 2027.
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