Overview
- The Lakers acquired Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade and signed him to a four-year, $130 million deal after sending two unprotected first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps to Utah.
- Kessler told reporters in mid-July that he has been fully cleared from left-shoulder labrum surgery and that his shoulder feels strong and mobile.
- Coach JJ Redick has pushed Kessler to expand a 3-point shot so the center can stretch the floor and create more spacing for primary playmaker Luka Dončić.
- Los Angeles plans to use Kessler as its starting rim protector, rebounder and finisher at the rim, and it signed veteran Kevon Looney to a one-year deal to provide backup minutes, screening and leadership.
- By trading substantial draft capital for Kessler, the Lakers signaled a clear priority on interior defense and immediate roster help, a choice that reduces their future draft flexibility.