The Los Angeles Lakers are acquiring restricted free agent Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz and signing him to a four-year, $130-million deal, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Los Angeles is reportedly sending the Jazz unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 as well as first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, adds Charania.
The center’s contract includes a player option for the fourth season plus a full trade kicker, adds Charania.
The 7-foot-2 Kessler played just five games in 2025-26 due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder. However, he is considered one of the league’s top up-and-coming rim-protectors and rebounding big men. He averaged 9.4 points and 9.2 rebounds through his first three seasons, including a league-high 4.6 offensive boards per game in 2024-25.