As the dust settles from the Los Angeles Lakers’ Walker Kessler trade, the move continues to age surprisingly well. Many questioned trading their last two available first-round picks in a $140 million sign-and-trade for Kessler.
Now, it’s beginning to look more like a reasonable deal. Remember, Kessler is set to make around $35 million annually over the next four seasons. Despite the initial sticker shock, contract negotiations between the Detroit Pistons and Jalen Duren prove the Lakers made the right call.
Duren initially wanted a five-year $287 million max deal but has “lowered” his asking price to around $40 million a season. Even then, the Pistons are hoping to pay him far less.
The end result could see him take a one-year qualifying offer and possibly leave for nothing in free agency next summer. The Lakers could have pursued Duren in restricted free agency. Had they done so, Los Angeles would’ve had to pay him at least $40 million annually to keep the Pistons from matching an offer sheet.
The Lakers’ Walker Kessler trade is already aging like fine wine
If true, that would make the Lakers’ decision to pay Kessler look even better. If Duren can demand $40+ million a year on a new contract, then paying Kessler less is a bargain. It’s not just about the Lakers saving money, however. Kessler is a wildly underrated center.
After all, he is an elite rim protector and rebounder and an underrated lob threat and is just 25 years old. Pairing him with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves could help both players defensively while giving the Lakers an upgrade offensively at center.
The Lakers are betting that Kessler will be more than worth what they are paying him, and they could be proven right. While he may not be as productive as Duren, offensively, they don’t necessarily need Kessler to be that player.
Walker Kessler is far more impactful than given credit for
If he can average at least 11 points, 11 rebounds, and around 2.5 blocks per game, then that could be all they need. That may not sound like much, but Victor Wembanyama was the only player in the NBA to average at least 11 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks last season.
However, Kessler reached that threshold in 2024-25. That illustrates the skill he possesses. Remember, the Lakers aren’t exactly brimming with defensive talent.
Based on that, they will have to lean on Kessler to anchor their defense to make them at least passable on that end. That is both the low bar and a tall order for Kessler, who will have to clean up mistakes made by Doncic, Reaves, and other offensive-oriented players.
Still, having someone who can shut down the paint is always the best way to build a capable defense, and Los Angeles looks increasingly justified for paying Kessler. Particular with what Duren could receive.