TITLE: Report: Luka Doncic Urged Lakers to Trade for Center Walker Kessler
SLUG: luka-doncic-pushed-lakers-for-walker-kessler-trade
CONTENT:
The Los Angeles Lakers’ headline move of the offseason—a sign-and-trade for center Walker Kessler—was strongly influenced by franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic, according to Diggin Basketball analyst Iztok Franko.
Los Angeles acquired the 22-year-old big man from the Utah Jazz in exchange for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, plus first-round swap rights in 2028 and 2030. Immediately after completing the deal, the Lakers signed Kessler to a four-year, $130 million contract.
Sources cited by Franko said Doncic “pushed hard” for the front office to land a pick-and-roll partner he views as an ideal fit. Team officials reportedly remained in close contact with the All-NBA guard throughout the summer while assembling the roster.
The price Los Angeles paid equals or surpasses packages other clubs surrendered for established stars such as Jaylen Brown, LaMelo Ball and Kawhi Leonard earlier in the offseason. Kessler has yet to reach All-Star status and was limited to five games last season after tearing a labrum, but the Lakers prioritized meeting Doncic’s request.
With Kessler in place, the Lakers continue to explore additional moves. Talks with the Atlanta Hawks about a sign-and-trade for forward Jonathan Kuminga remain active, though Atlanta has reportedly shown little interest in taking back forward Jarred Vanderbilt as part of that framework.
The Lakers begin training camp in early October.
Source: Lakers Nation
