Lakers' Walker Kessler eyes health, defense after $130M deal
The Lakers' major summer acquisition, center Walker Kessler, must justify the team's significant investment in him, which included multiple draft picks and
The Los Angeles Lakers' marquee summer addition, center Walker Kessler, must validate the franchise's substantial investment when the 2026-27 NBA season begins. The team acquired the 7-foot-2 big man from the Utah Jazz in a July sign-and-trade, sending out significant draft capital and committing $130 million over four years.
The Lakers sent the Jazz two unprotected first-round picks (2031 and 2033) and two first-round pick swaps (2028 and 2030) to secure Kessler. They then signed him to a four-year contract worth $130 million, which starts with a $30.1 million salary for the upcoming season. That salary will make him the league's tenth-highest-paid center for 2026-27, pending Jalen Duren's restricted free-agent deal.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Length | 4 years |
| Total Value | $130 million |
| 2026-27 Salary | $30.1 million |
| Draft Picks Traded | 2031 & 2033 unprotected first-rounders |
| Pick Swaps Traded | 2028 & 2030 first-round swaps |
It is a major commitment to a player who has not yet earned All-Star, All-NBA, or All-Defensive team honors and is coming off a season limited to just five games due to left shoulder surgery.
Kessler's Mindset and Health
Kessler said the show of faith from the Lakers organization motivates him. "It definitely makes you feel a certain way when you know an organization believes in you," Kessler said in July. "I'm gonna run through a brick wall for them."
His primary task is staying healthy. He suffered a season-ending torn posterior labrum in his left shoulder last November, requiring surgery. Kessler has stated his shoulder now "feels better than it's ever felt in my life," revealing he originally injured it in college before it worsened. Outside of last season, he played 192 regular-season games across his first three years with the Jazz.
With minimal traditional center depth behind him and Kevon Looney, his availability is critical for the Lakers.
On-Court Expectations
The Lakers need Kessler to continue his offensive development. He showed glimpses of being a perimeter threat last season, attempting 1.6 three-pointers per game, a sharp increase from the 0.3 attempts per game he averaged in his first three seasons.
His core value remains defense. The Lakers' path to a respectable defense hinges on Kessler maintaining his status as one of the league's premier rim protectors, a reputation he has held since being the 22nd overall pick in 2022. The team needs his shot-blocking and versatility to fortify that end of the floor.
Personal Milestones and Fit
The offseason brought significant personal moments for Kessler beyond basketball. He got engaged in July to 2025 Miss America Abbie Stockard.
On the court, he reunites with former Jazz teammate Collin Sexton, who was also acquired by the Lakers this summer. He will also play again with star guard Austin Reaves, his teammate on the 2023 USA Basketball World Cup team. Reaves described Kessler as "a big, goofy dude that just enjoys life and has fun," while praising his defensive impact and basketball intelligence.
Kessler recently introduced himself to the Los Angeles sports scene by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at a Dodgers game, a moment he capped with the phrase "ITFDB", It's Time For Dodger Baseball. The real test of his fit begins next month when the basketball spotlight returns.
