The Los Angeles Lakers moved on from LeBron James by making the first big splash of NBA free agency. The team filled a void in its starting lineup by acquiring Walker Kessler in a trade with the Utah Jazz that also includes a massive new contract extension for the 24-year-old center.
Kessler will join the Lakers through a sign-and-trade agreement, according to multiple reports, in which the Lakers will give the Jazz two future unprotected first-round picks and two first-round picks swaps and sign Kessler to a new 4-year, $130-million contract.
Since Kessler was a restricted free agent, the Jazz had the right to match any contract offer he received from another team. The two sides had been in protracted negotiations on a new extension, with Utah hoping to keep Kessler. But the Lakers' offer proved too good to pass up with talks stalled.
Did Los Angeles give up too much to acquire the center they've needed since trading Anthony Davis? Or did the Jazz give up on Kessler too soon coming off a major injury?
USA TODAY Sports breaks down the Lakers' big move, with trade grades for both teams now that Kessler is going from the Jazz to Los Angeles:
Walker Kessler trade details
- Lakers receive: Restricted free agent Walker Kessler (will sign new 4-year, $130-million contract as part of sign-and-trade)
- Jazz receive: Unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030
Los Angeles Lakers Walker Kessler trade grade: B-
The Lakers coveted a new starting center to team with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and they're making a huge bet Kessler is the two-way piece that can best complement them inside.
General Manager Rob Pelinka gave up a lot to acquire Kessler, who played in just five games last season due to a shoulder injury. But the 24-year-old averaged a double-double (11.1 points, 12.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks) over 54 games during the 2024-25 campaign. If Kessler quickly returns to form, he can be a dynamic lob threat for Doncic and a premier offensive rebounder, while also providing elite rim protection and defensive cover for the Lakers' backcourt.
But the Lakers are spending most of their salary cap space for the foreseeable future on the trio of Doncic, Reaves and Kessler, and they won't have much draft capital moving forward to build around them. They are making more moves along the periphery of the roster, but questions will likely linger into the regular season about whether this new Los Angeles nucleus can compete with the Spurs and Thunder long-term.
Utah Jazz Walker Kessler trade grade: B
The Jazz lost one of the successful first-round draft picks that have come to the team through its extended rebuild, but they acquired a significant haul of new draft capital in the process.
There is an argument, given Kessler's recent injury history and limited offensive game, that the Jazz just acquired two unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps for the right not to overpay Kessler. Utah reportedly had a 5-year, $140-million offer on the table, according to ESPN. The Lakers bested that, and the Jazz did well to get assets in return.
Though Utah seems ready to make a playoff push this coming season after re-signing Lauri Markkanen and trading for Jaren Jackson Jr. in recent years, tying up so much money in three frontcourt players could have been problematic in the future. Losing Kessler will hurt Utah's short-term outlook, and finding a replacement won't be easy. Just ask the Lakers.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Walker Kessler trade grades: Did Lakers give up too much in Jazz deal?
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