Lakers Make Walker Kessler Their $130M Defensive Anchor

Overview

• Los Angeles acquired Walker Kessler from Utah in a sign-and-trade and signed him to a four-year, $130 million contract that cost multiple first-round picks and pick swaps.
• Kessler has been medically cleared after left shoulder surgery and said his shoulder feels strong and mobile following rehab.
• The Lakers intend to use Kessler primarily as a rim protector, rebounder and high-efficiency finisher at the rim.
• Coach JJ Redick has urged Kessler to add perimeter shooting to stretch defenses, a focus grounded in a very small sample in which Kessler made six of eight 3-pointers before his injury.
• The team added veteran Kevon Looney as frontcourt depth and Kessler said he is eager to play alongside Luka Dončić and help the offense with screens, rolls and finishing near the basket.