The Los Angeles Lakers paid a hefty price to land Walker Kessler, but the deal turns into a bargain if the 25-year-old keeps improving. They gave up two first-round draft picks and two first-round swaps in a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz. Kessler also landed a four-year, $129.4 million contract. It looked like an overpay, but not if he turns into an elite center. Luka Doncic made it clear that Kessler keeps improving when asked about LA's new big man on Media Day.
“Obviously, you know, I played a lot of games against Walk. It was always tough to play against him, so I really wanted him. I think the organization wanted him, I wanted him, all the players wanted him. I think it is an amazing fit for us. Obviously, (he's a) rim protector, but on offense he improved so much that he’s going to help us a lot.”
The big man has been an elite defender, but it has mostly gone unnoticed because the Jazz were tanking. Kessler averages 2.4 blocks per game and led the NBA in offensive rebounds each night in 2025. He will secure extra possessions and provide rim protection the Lakers haven’t had since the Luka trade. It is his offensive game that will determine how this trade ages.
Luka is already seeing the gains and is excited to finally have the big man he has been asking for. The superstar had some say in the new additions and was genuinely excited about all of them. The newcomers could all stand out playing with Doncic, and Kessler could make a massive leap.
Walker Kessler’s shooting could be a welcome surprise
Kessler was limited to just five games last season before having shoulder surgery. In that brief sample, he made six of his eight 3-point attempts. He steadily took more threes in his first three seasons, but topped out at just 34 tries in the 2024-25 campaign. The 7’2 big man was taking more than one per game in last year’s brief sample.
Adding a consistent 3-point shot is massive for any player’s offensive game. Lakers’ head coach JJ Redick was a sharpshooter and won’t discourage Kessler from firing away if the shots are falling.
Luka didn’t say what offensive improvements the big man has made, but this is one Lakers fans hope to see. Fans know Doncic will unlock him as a lob target and roll man. Number 77 is arguably the best pick-and-roll ball-handler in the world. There will be plenty of easy buckets as his big man. Adding a jumper may not be the only thing Luka is talking about.
Walker Kessler made an under-the-radar playmaking improvement
Kessler went from averaging 1.7 assists per game in his third season to 3.0 each night in the brief sample. The Lakers wanted more versatility with this year’s roster. It is why they dumped Rui Hachimura, Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, and several other players with one standout skill. Kessler fits that bill if he makes a leap offensively.
The Lakers being able to use the big man as a hub at the top of the key would be fantastic. They could add in some handoffs and cuts to get Kessler some easy dimes. LA would also love to see him make some plays out of the pick-and-roll. This would make the purple and gold even more dangerous.
Doncic wasn’t just talking about Kessler’s finishing. He is a career 77.7 percent finisher inside three feet from the basket. The superstar has clearly seen some growth from his new big man, and that isn’t the only reason this trade will look better.
Walker Kessler is excited to play for the Lakers
Kessler hasn’t been shy about his excitement for his new home. He again said he’d run through a brick wall for the Lakers. The 7’2 big man missed the playoffs in each of his first four NBA seasons. He finally has a shot to contend and is eager to be fed open looks by Luka and Austin Reaves.
The narrative of this trade will be told over time. Kessler has all the ingredients to turn into a win for the Lakers. Nobody will remember the picks or the contract if he becomes an All-Star and helps the purple and gold win a championship. It was a bold move by Rob Pelinka and the front office, but his offensive flashes coupled with defensive strengths made Kessler the clear choice over Jalen Duren this summer.
The Los Angeles Lakers are already seeing the improvements from Walker Kessler. Luka Doncic slipped it into his presser at the start of training camp, and fans can’t wait to see it on the floor. LeBron James is gone, but the Lakers expect to compete for the championship. To do that, they need Kessler to play the best basketball of his career. Luckily, Luka gave fans a hint that the big man already is.
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