Lakers Revamp Roster With Walker Kessler Amid Key Departures
WHO:
Yahoo Sports - Luka Doncic is "excited" about the Lakers' offseason additions, including the re-signing of Austin Reaves and the acquisition of Walker Kessler.
Pro Football Network - The Lakers are starting the Luka Dončić era following LeBron James' departure.
Yahoo Sports - Guard Austin Reaves agreed to a four-year, $185 million deal to stay with the Lakers.
NBA.com - The Los Angeles Lakers, Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz, LeBron James, Austin Reaves, Luka Dončić
WHAT:
RealGM Basketball - The Lakers are targeting wing depth in free agency, with Jonathan Kuminga among the names on their list.
RealGM Basketball - Kessler accepted a four-year, $130 million contract with the Lakers, which is approximately $32.5 million per year.
Yahoo Sports - The Lakers are now tied for the fifth-best odds to win the Western Conference at 16-1 with the Golden State Warriors.
Pro Football Network - The Lakers signed Sandro Mamukelashvili to a four-year, $52 million contract.
RealGM Basketball - The Lakers do not currently have any remaining cap space to re-sign Rui Hachimura, with 13 roster spots filled and only veteran minimum contracts available for outside additions.
RealGM Basketball - Rui Hachimura earned $18.3 million last season and posted 17.5 points per game on 54.9% shooting during the playoffs.
NY Post - Kessler accepted Los Angeles' four-year, $130 million contract over the five-year, $140 million offered by the Jazz.
Pro Football Network - Kessler was off to a strong start in five games this season, averaging 14.4 points on 70.3% shooting, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game.
Pro Football Network - Kessler had added an accurate 3-point shot to his arsenal, hitting 6 of 8 this season after having made just 11 of 56 in his first three seasons.
Yahoo Sports - The Lakers' odds to win the NBA championship improved from 40-1 to 30-1 after acquiring Walker Kessler.
Yahoo Sports - The Lakers are now tied for the fifth-best odds to win the Western Conference at 16-1 with the Golden State Warriors.
Pro Football Network - Kessler was one of the most coveted restricted free agents this season.
Pro Football Network - Kessler averaged 2.4 blocks per game during his four seasons with the Jazz.
Pro Football Network - The Lakers had a defensive rating of 115.5 last year, ranking 20th in the NBA.
Pro Football Network - Kessler was shut down for the 2025-26 season due to a left shoulder labral tear.
Yahoo Sports - The Lakers' odds to win the NBA championship improved to 30-1 after acquiring Kessler.
Yahoo Sports - The Lakers' odds to win the NBA championship improved from 40-1 to 30-1 after acquiring Walker Kessler.
Yahoo Sports - The Lakers are now tied for the fifth-best odds to win the Western Conference at 16-1 with the Golden State Warriors.
Yahoo Sports - The Lakers agreed to deals with free agents Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton.
NBA.com - The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a trade.
NBA.com - Kessler is expected to sign a four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers.
NBA.com - The Lakers traded unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, as well as first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030 to the Jazz.
Pro Football Network - The Lakers lost center Jaxson Hayes, who had ties to Luka Dončić.
NBA.com - Kessler averaged 14.4 points on 70.3% shooting, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game in five games this season.
NBA.com - Kessler had a game with 22 points on 7-for-7 shooting, nine rebounds, and four blocks against the Los Angeles Clippers.
NBA.com - Kessler scored 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in a game against the Phoenix Suns.
NBA.com - In the 2024-25 season, Kessler played 58 games, averaging 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game.
NBA.com - Kessler was an All-Rookie First Team selection in the 2023-24 season.
WHERE:
NBA.com - The trade involves the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz.
WHEN:
NBA.com - The Lakers are expected to finalize the deal for Kessler on July 1, 2026.
WHY:
NBA.com - The Lakers are revamping their roster following LeBron James' decision to play elsewhere next season.
HOW:
Silver Screen and Roll - The Lakers had to give up their unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, along with pick swaps in 2028 and 2030, to acquire Kessler.
Silver Screen and Roll - The Lakers had to give up their 2031 and 2033 first-round picks, along with pick swaps in 2028 and 2030 to acquire Kessler.
RealGM Basketball - The Lakers signed Sandro Mamukelashvili to a four-year, $52 million contract.
NBA.com - The Lakers acquired Kessler through a trade involving multiple future draft picks, including unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, as well as first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030.
Silver Screen and Roll - The Lakers attempted to acquire Mark Williams, but the trade was rescinded.
Silver Screen and Roll - The Lakers had previously attempted to acquire Mark Williams and Deandre Ayton to fill the center position before trading for Kessler.
NBA.com - The Lakers acquired Kessler through a trade involving multiple future draft picks.
Luka Doncic expressed his excitement about the Lakers' offseason moves, which include the re-signing of Austin Reaves and the addition of Walker Kessler, who has signed a four-year contract worth $130 million. The Lakers are also looking to enhance their wing depth in free agency, with Jonathan Kuminga being one of the players they are targeting. To bring Kessler on board, the Lakers had to part with their unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, as well as pick swaps in 2028 and 2030.