Darren Collison demonstrates how Walker Kessler can make a positive impact with the Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers have made a big splash in free agency, reportedly adding shot-blocking center Walker Kessler to the mix via a trade.
According to multiple reports, the Utah Jazz are trading Kessler to the Lakers for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, as well as first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030. ESPN’s Shams Charania reports Kessler is expected to sign a four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers.
Lakers receive:
- Walker Kessler
Jazz receive:
- Unprotected first-round picks in 2031 & 2033
- First-round pick swaps in 2028 & 2030
BREAKING: The Utah Jazz are trading center Walker Kessler to the Los Angeles Lakers for a picks package that includes 2031 unprotected and 2033 unprotected first round picks, and 2028 and 2030 pick swaps, League Sources tell The Athletic
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) July 1, 2026
BREAKING: The Los Angeles Lakers are acquiring Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, sources tell ESPN. Kessler will sign a massive four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/rt8b17fEQZ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2026
One of the top shot blockers in the NBA, Kessler was shut down for the 2025-26 season with a left shoulder labral tear in early November.
The Lakers addition of Kessler marks another key move in an offseason of change for the team. Star forward and former Finals MVP LeBron James informed the Lakers on Tuesday he plans to play elsewhere next season, altering the team’s course in the summer.
Guard Austin Reaves reportedly agreed to a four-year, $185 million deal to stay with the team. He will pair with star guard Luka Dončić and now, Kessler, to form the Lakers’ core for their next iteration.
The shifty guard has grown into one of the NBA’s most effective scorers and playmakers, increasing his scoring average in every season of his five-year career.
Kessler was off to a strong start in five games this season, averaging 14.4 points on 70.3% shooting to go with 10.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. He had even 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.
He opened this season with 22 points on 7-for-7 shooting, nine rebounds and four blocks in a win over the Los Angeles Clippers. He had 25 points and 11 rebounds two games later in a win over the Phoenix Suns.
In 2024-25, Kessler appeared in 58 games and posted 11.1 ppg, 12.2 rpg and 2.4 bpg. Prior to his injury last season, he played in no less than 58 games and was an All-Rookie First Team selection in 2023-24.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
