Mar 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) backs towards the basket as Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) plays defense in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Mar 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) backs towards the basket as Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) plays defense in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Lakers made a flurry of moves this offseason, turning LeBron James, Marcus Smart, and Rui Hachimura into Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Jaden Hardy, Kevon Looney, and Sandro Mamukelashvili (among others). Their greatest addition, however, was none other than Walker Kessler, a 7’2″ big man from the Jazz who just got paid a passive four-year, $130 million contract.
At just 25, with only five games played last season, there are some doubts that Kessler can make a major difference for the Lakers, but he’s already showing some positive signs. In fact, according to his new teammate Collin Sexton, Kessler has been working hard all summer in hopes of having his best season yet for the Purple and Gold.
“He’s gonna have a huge impact, especially on the defensive end,” said Sexton on the Mason & Ireland Show. “His presence, his rim protection, and even the offensive ability that he’s been working on this summer… I’m super excited for him and the opportunity. He’s one of my guys; he’s from Atlanta, so whenever I’ve been talking to him, I told him, ‘I got your back,’ and next thing you know, we’re here. Working on the three-point shot, but also just finishing around the rim even better, so it’s cool. It’s cool to see that he used that break when he wasn’t playing all last season to really work on his game and develop it. So I’m super excited for him and his growth, and I can’t wait to be back on the court with him.”
Following the departure of LeBron James, the Lakers knew they needed to make a big-time move, and they had the flexibility to do it with over $50 million in open cap space. Fortunately, the backcourt was already set with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, but they had a hole at the center spot after giving up Anthony Davis in the trade with Dallas.
GM Rob Pelinka considered all options at his disposal, but it didn’t take him long to settle on Kessler, who was a restricted free agent at the time. Besides youth and size at the position, Kessler brings an elite defensive presence and a strong interior scoring game. For his career, the 7’2″ big man averages 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game on 70.3% shooting from the field.
While he only played five games last season, all signs indicate that Walker is healthy and ready to return to full action with no restrictions. It could take Kessler a while to adjust to his new surroundings, but Luka Doncic will surely ease the transition, being among the best playmakers and floor generals in the game. He specifically requested Walker and believes they have the potential to do great things together.
Ultimately, the new-look Lakers still have a lot to prove, but they are saying and doing all the right things. After Luka’s minicamp last month, the players seem excited about their future and hopeful about their chances of success in 2027 and beyond. Health will play a major factor, but all eyes will be on the center spot as Walker faces pressure to live up to his heightened role.
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