Lakers gave up two firsts and two swaps to land Kessler

The Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from Utah in a sign-and-trade, sending two unprotected first-round picks and two first-round swaps to the Jazz. Kessler signed a four-year, $130 million deal, leaving Los Angeles without a tradable first-rounder for seven years.

Luka Dončić had pushed the front office to land Kessler as his starting center. The 25-year-old center missed most of last season after shoulder surgery, giving the Lakers little recent data on his trajectory before making the massive commitment.

$130M · 4yrKessler UTA → LAL

+ 3 reports from 3 outlets

Fadeaway World · 28 Sept 2026Kessler's qualifying-offer threat pushed Jazz into Lakers trade

New York Post · 27 Sept 2026Redick, Pelinka explain why Kessler cost Lakers so many picks

Yahoo Sports · 18 Sept 2026Lakers gave up two firsts and two swaps to land Kessler

Walker Kessler

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