The Los Angeles Lakers paid handsomely to acquire Walker Kessler, but it looks like a steal when fans factor in the Luka Doncic trade. Getting Luka means acquiring a rim-protector and lob threat. Putting the two trades together, the Lakers gave up Anthony Davis, Max Christie, Jalen Hood-Schifino, three first-round draft picks, and two first-round pick swaps for Luka Doncic, Walker Kessler, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris. The Lakers got two of their three building blocks for virtually the same price the Heat just paid for Giannis.
The Lakers unquestionably overpaid for Kessler. Jaylen Brown went for significantly less, but this was the price of keeping Luka. Doncic has demanded LA trade for a pick-and-roll partner since the moment he arrived from Dallas. The Lakers acquired Mark Williams, but rescinded the deal after a failed physical. Luka finally has his center, and the price is totally reasonable if it means Doncic finishes his career in Los Angeles.
The purple and gold revamped their roster around Luka this summer. The six-time All-Star is excited about the new look. They added youth and shooting around him as they try to get into title contention. The biggest move was getting Doncic his center.
Walker Kessler trade looks like a steal when factoring in Luka Doncic deal
Doncic led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024 with 48 minutes of quality center play each night. Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford split the duties, and Luka made both look like standouts. Number 77 loves playing with a center, and a stout rim protector makes his game better by covering for his defensive weakness.
Kessler is one of the best defensive anchors in the NBA. He is an elite rim protector and rebounder that will reach new heights playing off Luka. He attempted eight 3-points in his five games last season and made six of them. Even if the jumper isn’t real, Kessler will get easy buckets at the rim and create extra possessions for the Lakers with offensive boards.
Acquiring Luka right now would take at least four first-round draft picks plus swaps. The Mavericks wanted Anthony Davis, but injuries have tanked his value. The Lakers sold AD at the perfect time and bought low on Doncic. The savings allow them to pay Utah handsomely to sign-and-trade for Kessler.
Los Angeles locked in their core this summer. They have just one first-round pick swap left to deal, plus a couple seconds. Luka is the alpha. Austin Reaves got a max contract to be his co-star, with Kessler taking over as the number three. Fans are excited to see how that trio performs, but the Lakers did what they told Doncic they would do. The roster is now built around him.
The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t overpay for Walker Kessler if fans factor in the Luka Doncic trade. Getting their superstar for a bargain left the purple and gold with the assets to acquire Kessler. They had to do it to keep Luka happy. Doncic will make the big man better and ensure this trade works. Anyone who has seen him with an elite rim protector knows that.
Fans should be excited, despite the turnover. The Lakers will be better because Luka will maximize the talent around him. Plain and simple.
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