The Los Angeles Lakers have been searching for the long-term answer at center. With Luka Doncic now leading the franchise, finding the right center became the organization’s biggest priority. After weeks of speculation, the Lakers have landed arguably the best available option by acquiring Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz.
The Lakers Finally Get Their Center
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Lakers acquired Kessler in a sign-and-trade with Utah, sending unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 along with first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030. Kessler will sign a four-year, $130 million contract to become the franchise’s starting center for the foreseeable future.
BREAKING: The Los Angeles Lakers are acquiring Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, sources tell ESPN. Kessler will sign a massive four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/rt8b17fEQZ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2026
The Lakers could have tried to sign Kessler directly in restricted free agency, but that would have been risky. Utah could have matched any offer, which would have tied up the Lakers’ cap space and stopped them from chasing other players. Instead, both teams agreed to a deal that ensures Los Angeles gets the player they wanted most this offseason.
Worth the Price?
The Lakers gave up a lot in the trade, but they clearly think Kessler is worth it. The team sees him as the perfect center to play with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. They view him as a key building block, not just another offseason pickup.
Since joining the NBA, Kessler has become one of the league’s top defensive centers. He averages 2.4 blocks per game, is always among the leaders in rim protection, and is also one of the best offensive rebounders. At only 24 years old, he fits well with the Lakers as they move into the post-LeBron James era.
An Ideal Fit
Kessler will help the Lakers on offense too, not just defense. He sets strong screens, finishes well around the basket, and is a great lob target. This makes him an ideal pick-and-roll partner for Doncic and Austin Reaves, who are both good at creating easy chances for big men.
Last season, the Lakers were 20th in defensive rating, so improving their defense was a must. Kessler gives them a real paint protector who can cover for mistakes on the perimeter. With him behind them, the team’s wings can play more aggressively, knowing they have strong rim protection.
High Risk, High Reward
There are risks with this move. Kessler played only five games last season because of a torn labrum, and the Lakers gave up almost all their top draft picks by including two unprotected first-rounders and two swaps. His new contract also has a player option in the fourth year and a full trade kicker, making the commitment even bigger.
The Lakers are taking a new approach now that LeBron James is gone. Instead of preserving future assets, the front office is focused on building the best possible team around Doncic and Reaves. They believe that adding an elite defensive center was the missing piece.
Now without picks or cap space, the Lakers have given up their flexibility and are stuck with this team. That means Walker Kessler has to be the elite center they believe he is. He is already one of the best rim protectors in the league, and playing with Luka Doncic should only help his offense. The tools and situation are there for him to be one of the best centers in the league.
What’s Next?
Now that the Lakers have filled their biggest need, they can focus on rounding out the rest of the roster. They still need to add more shooting, depth, and defense around the new core.
Getting Walker Kessler cost the Lakers a lot, but chasing championships often means making bold moves. The team believes Kessler can anchor their defense for years, and now the focus turns to building the rest of the roster around him.
