Lakers acquire center Walker Kessler from Utah and add multiple free-agent signings
Los Angeles traded for 24-year-old center Walker Kessler, signing him to a four-year deal, and subsequently signed guards Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton along with forward Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Los Angeles completed a trade with Utah that sends two unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, plus first-round pick swaps for 2028 and 2030, to the Jazz in exchange for 24-year-old center Walker Kessler. The Lakers signed the restricted free agent to a four-year contract worth $130 million, averaging $32.5 million per season.
Kessler, who averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in limited action last season due to a shoulder injury, is expected to provide the rim-running and defensive presence that Luka Doncic has identified as a priority.
Utah, retaining forward Jaren Jackson Jr. and other young pieces, will add the acquired draft assets to build around its core. The Jazz’s front office was credited with securing future flexibility through the deal.
In addition to the Kessler trade, Los Angeles announced several free-agent agreements: guard Quentin Grimes joined on a four-year, $60 million contract; forward Sandro Mamukelashvili signed a four-year, $52 million deal to serve as a backup big with shooting ability; and point guard Collin Sexton accepted a two-year, $19 million contract with a player option for the second year. The team also re-signed guard Austin Reaves to a four-year, $184.8 million extension.
With these moves, the Lakers have exhausted most of their draft capital, retaining only a 2032 pick swap and a 2033 second-round pick.
