The Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a four-year, $130 million contract with Walker Kessler, but they had to give up two unprotected first-round draft picks and two swaps to convince the Utah Jazz to part with the restricted free agent. It was a massive overpay for a talented big man. Kessler averaged 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game through his first four seasons. Now, he’s making $32.5 million per year. The Lakers paid an All-Star price for a player that hasn’t sniffed that level.
Kessler played just five games last season after a shoulder injury required surgery. He appeared in just 63 contests over the last two years. The 24-year-old is playing with the best pick-and-roll creator in the world now, but that won’t matter if he’s not on the floor. The Lakers had this same issue with Anthony Davis, so they know how to navigate it.
The Lakers felt the pressure after LeBron James, Marcus Smart, and Luke Kennard signed elsewhere. They needed to make a splash to keep Luka Doncic happy. Rob Pelinka certainly did that by pulling off the Kessler sign-and-trade, but this was a massive overpay by the Lakers. The only way it works is Kessler improves significantly playing off Luka in Los Angeles.
Lakers made the biggest overpay of the offseason on Walker Kessler
LA made Kessler the ninth-highest-paid center by average annual value and gave him by far the largest contract for any player switching teams. Only Trae Young and Austin Reaves have extended for more so far. It was a massive bet on the 24-year-old big man.
Luka makes any center better. Fans saw how good Jaxson Hayes has looked for stretches. Doncic made the NBA Finals in 2024 with Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II looking like difference-making big men. He will boost Kessler, but asking Doncic to make him a star could be a bit much.
Rob Pelinka delivered on Luka’s wish. He wanted a rim-protecting big man that can operate as his pick-and-roll partner. Kessler averages 2.4 blocks per game for his career. He will be in a winning situation for the first time and eager to prove he is worth every penny of his contract. Expect him to shine on both ends of the floor, but this was still too much to give up. The Lakers should have given this to a proven star, not a developing big man that might turn into one.
The Lakers wasted no time making the biggest overpay of the offseason. Isaiah Hartenstein re-signed with the Thunder for $25 million per year. Mitchell Robinson got $15.7 million from the Celtics. Los Angeles is paying $32.5 million for Kessler. It was a massive bet that he will be better than those players. Sadly, it feels unlikely given his recent production and injuries.
The Los Angeles Lakers' first offseason signing was the biggest overpay of the summer. Walker Kessler got a massive contract and cost them two unprotect first-round draft picks plus two swaps. Luka Doncic has his center, but the cost was far too much.
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