Walker Kessler signs $130M deal as Lakers acquire center from Utah Jazz

Los Angeles Lakers completed a sign‑and‑trade with the Utah Jazz, sending two unprotected first‑round picks for 2031 and 2033 plus two future first‑round pick swaps (2028, 2030) in exchange for 24‑year‑old center Walker Kessler. The four‑year contract is worth $130 million.

The trade fulfills Luka Doncic’s request for a defensive‑oriented big man, with the NBA star saying Kessler “was the dream center teammate.” It comes shortly after the Lakers’ separation from LeBron James. The Jazz retain valuable draft assets, while the Lakers gamble on Kessler, who played only five games last season because of a shoulder injury.