The Los Angeles Lakers have wasted little time reshaping their roster following LeBron James’ departure, making one of many largest strikes of the offseason by buying Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz whereas including three extra gamers in free company.
The deal sends Kessler to Los Angeles in trade for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, together with first-round swap rights in 2028 and 2030, in keeping with ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Kessler is anticipated to right away turn out to be the Lakers’ beginning heart after agreeing to a four-year, $130 million contract that features a participant choice within the last season and a full commerce kicker. The seven-footer had reportedly declined a five-year extension price roughly $140 million from Utah earlier within the offseason.
Los Angeles had pursued Kessler for a number of years earlier than lastly finishing a deal.
The Lakers had repeatedly contacted the Jazz relating to the middle, whereas Kessler and his representatives had lengthy considered Los Angeles as a possible touchdown spot, in keeping with ESPN’s Dave McMenamin.
The transfer addresses one of many Lakers’ largest weaknesses. The group completed twenty ninth in offensive rebounds per sport final season, an space the place Kessler has established himself as one of many league’s greatest.
He averaged 11.1 factors, 12.2 rebounds and a pair of.4 blocks throughout his most up-to-date wholesome marketing campaign, main the NBA with 4.6 offensive rebounds per sport. Since getting into the league in 2022, solely Victor Wembanyama has averaged extra blocks per sport.
The entrance workplace’s aggressive method comes after ESPN reported that Luka Doncic had knowledgeable the group of his need to play alongside an “A-list heart,” and Kessler seems to suit that description.
READ MORE: Kawhi Leonard Reunion Provides Raptors One other Shot
