Walker Kessler is ‘perfect fit’ next to Lakers’ Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves

The Los Angeles Lakers acquired center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in an offseason sign-and-trade deal. Head coach JJ Redick and general manager Rob Pelinka described the 25-year-old center as a perfect fit to play alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as the franchise builds out its roster.

To complete the acquisition, the Lakers signed Kessler to a four-year, $130 million contract and sent Utah unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, alongside first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030.