Walker Kessler Vows to Give Lakers Maximum Effort After $130 Million Deal
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The Los Angeles Lakers secured their top offseason target by acquiring center Walker Kessler, finalizing a four-year, $130 million contract with the 24-year-old restricted free agent.
To pry Kessler from the Utah Jazz, the Lakers sent two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps to Salt Lake City. The sizeable financial commitment and draft compensation left Kessler convinced of the organization’s faith in him.
“When you know an organization believes in you, it makes you feel a certain way,” Kessler said during his introductory media session. “If I know they have that belief in me, I’m going to run through a brick wall for them.”
Immediate fit alongside Doncic
The Lakers envision Kessler anchoring the paint next to newly acquired guard Luka Doncic and guard Austin Reaves. Known as one of the league’s premier rim protectors, Kessler hopes playing with Doncic will also expand his offensive game.
“They’ve been super welcoming,” he noted of the transition to Los Angeles. “I’m still learning names, but it’s been great.”
Navigating restricted free agency
Kessler is among the few high-profile players to change teams via restricted free agency this summer, a process still unresolved for fellow RFAs Jalen Duren and Peyton Watson. “It’s not the most fun thing,” he admitted. “But business is business … the fact that I’m here now, that’s how it’s supposed to be.”
The center and the Lakers reached agreement shortly after free agency opened, underscoring a mutual eagerness to complete the deal. Kessler is guaranteed at least the next three seasons in purple and gold.
Shoulder fully healed
Kessler appeared in only five games last season after tearing the labrum in his left shoulder. He told reporters the injury is no longer an issue. “Feels better than it’s ever felt in my life,” he said. “It’s been cleared, feels strong, feels mobile.”
With his health restored and his role defined, Kessler said he is ready to reward the Lakers’ investment by giving “everything” on the court.
Source: Lakers Nation
