The Los Angeles Lakers have officially entered a new era that doesn't include LeBron James.
James informed the Lakers on Tuesday afternoon that he won't be returning for the 2026-27 season. His decision to leave Los Angeles behind freed up Rob Pelinka to make some moves with his $52 million in salary cap space.
Clearly, Pelinka and the rest of the front office in Los Angeles had their sights set on Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Lakers are sending unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 as well as first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030 to the Jazz in exchange for Kessler.
Not only are the Lakers mortgaging several draft picks to acquire Kessler, they're rewarding him with a four-year, $130 million deal.
"Kessler's $130M deal includes a player option in the fourth season, plus a full trade kicker, sources tell ESPN," Charania added. "The Lakers land their signature center for star guards Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves by moving two firsts and two swaps to the Jazz."
© Rob Gray-Imagn Images.
Clear need for the Lakers, but was this the right move?
Kessler is coming off a great season with the Jazz where he averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. He should help strengthen a frontcourt in Los Angeles that's lacking firepower on the defensive end of the floor.
That being said, the Lakers are essentially committing themselves to a trio of Doncic, Reaves and Kessler for the next few years.
If the Lakers struggle during the 2026-27 season, this trade for Kessler obviously won't age well. On the flip side, he might be what the Lakers need to compete in the playoffs with the top teams in the West.
