Lakers Finally Get Their Big Man With Walker Kessler Trade With Jazz – Who Got The Better Deal?

Jazz star Walker Kessler (Image: NBA)

The Lakers finally got their center, landing Walker Kessler in a blockbuster trade that addresses their long-standing need at the position.

The Los Angeles Lakers addressed their big man situation, acquiring Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a blockbuster deal. The Lakers are now fully committed to Luka Dončić for the future, with LeBron James set to leave in free agency.

The deal sent two unprotected first-round picks (2031 and 2033) and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030 to Utah in exchange for Kessler. It’s a hefty price, but Kessler is also expected to sign a four-year, $130 million contract with the Lakers, making him the team’s long-term answer at center.

The trade comes after months of searching for a big man, following LeBron James’ departure and the team’s commitment to Austin Reaves and Dončić. General manager Rob Pelinka reportedly pursued several centers before agreeing to terms with Utah on Kessler.

Kessler is only 25 and is considered one of the league’s best defensive centers. He is an elite lob catcher—a perfect fit alongside Dončić. In his last healthy season, Kessler averaged 11 points, 12 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game, leading the NBA in offensive rebounds.

Although he appeared in only five games before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury, the Lakers remain confident in his recovery. His rebounding, rim protection and pick-and-roll ability are all attributes Los Angeles has lacked alongside Dončić. Dončić’s passing consistently elevates his centers’ production.

The price for Kessler was steep—some analysts believe Pelinka overpaid—but the Lakers have rarely relied on the draft to build their core.

Utah and executive Danny Ainge now have a trove of future first-round picks as they build a young team. For the Lakers, the franchise believes Kessler is the missing piece for a championship-caliber defense and an improved interior presence. The Lakers may have found their cornerstone center for the next era.