The Los Angeles Lakers pushed their chips in this summer, completing a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz to bring in restricted free-agent center Walker Kessler on a four-year, $130 million contract. The 24-year-old is expected to anchor the defense behind star guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Kessler Seen as Defensive Cornerstone
Analyst Sam Vecenie of The Athletic described Kessler as the “ideal” front-court partner for the Lakers’ offense-first backcourt. According to Vecenie, the 7-footer has developed into a versatile rim protector and help defender who could earn at least one All-Defensive selection in Los Angeles. Vecenie projects Kessler’s ceiling above Jarrett Allen and Isaiah Hartenstein but below three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.
Offensively, Kessler’s value comes from screening, pick-and-roll finishing and elite offensive rebounding. Still, he averaged roughly four half-court shot attempts per game last season, raising concerns about his scoring versatility in playoff settings.
Vecenie added that while Kessler’s deal is market-value for his position, the draft picks surrendered in the trade leave the Lakers with fewer future assets, heightening the stakes of the move during the Doncic era.
Ayton Trade Clears Cap Space for Multiple Signings
The Lakers freed $2.1 million in cap room by sending center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for guard Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks. That financial wiggle room allowed Los Angeles to finalize agreements with guard Quentin Grimes (four years, $60 million), forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (four years, $52 million) and Kessler, reports cap analyst Yossi Gozlan on The Third Apron.
Thiero, Carr Impress in California Classic
Second-year wing Adou Thiero, the Lakers’ 2025 second-round pick, is embracing a leadership role on the club’s Summer League roster, writes Thuc Nhi Nguyen of the Los Angeles Times. Thiero and rookie Cameron Carr flashed chemistry in Sunday’s win over Miami at the California Classic. “They did a really good job of playing with each other,” Summer League coach Ty Abbott said, praising their unselfish play after just five days of work together.
Post-LeBron Era Brings New Uncertainty
With LeBron James no longer on the roster, the Lakers are attempting to contend without the safety net they have relied on for years. Law Murray of The Athletic notes that several recent additions have limited postseason experience and may ultimately settle into reserve roles. Murray believes Los Angeles still needs another forward capable of logging 25 dependable minutes a night to round out its rotation.
The Lakers enter training camp banking on Kessler’s defensive impact, the cap flexibility created by the Ayton trade and the rapid development of young contributors as they reshape their roster for life after James.
Source: Hoops Rumors
