The Los Angeles Lakers have reshaped their roster around newly acquired guard Luka Doncic, headlined by a trade for center Walker Kessler, whom club officials and league scouts describe as a “near-perfect” complement to the All-NBA playmaker, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Los Angeles obtained Kessler in a blockbuster deal that cost two future first-round selections and two pick swaps, then signed the 7-footer to a reported four-year, $130 million contract. The 22-year-old has averaged 2.4 blocks per game since entering the league and, before a shoulder injury ended his most recent season prematurely, posted 11.1 points and 12.2 rebounds while leading the NBA in offensive boards.
Front-office evaluators believe Kessler’s rim protection, rebounding prowess and lob-finishing ability fit the template of centers with whom Doncic has historically excelled.
Additional Roster Moves
The Lakers continued to overhaul the lineup by adding veteran forward Sandro Mamukelashvili, wing Quentin Grimes and scoring guard Collin Sexton.
- Mamukelashvili offers floor spacing after converting nearly 39 percent of his three-point attempts last season.
- Grimes reunites with Doncic after a previous stint in Dallas and supplies another athletic two-way option on the perimeter.
- Sexton averaged 17.5 points following a mid-season move to Chicago and is expected to lead the second unit’s offense.
Los Angeles subsequently sent Deandre Ayton to Washington, solidifying Kessler as the projected starting center. The front office remains in the market for an additional veteran big man; Jonas Valanciunas, Kevon Looney and Andre Drummond were among those linked to the club before Drummond opted to sign with New York.
The flurry of transactions follows the offseason departure of LeBron James, marking the official start of what the franchise now calls the Luka Doncic era in Los Angeles.
Source: Hoops Wire
