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The Los Angeles Lakers have wasted little time reshaping their roster following LeBron James\u2019 departure, making one of the biggest moves of the offseason by acquiring Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz while adding three more players in free agency.<\/p>\n
The deal sends Kessler to Los Angeles in exchange for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, along with first-round swap rights in 2028 and 2030, according to ESPN\u2019s Shams Charania<\/a>.<\/p>\n Kessler is expected to immediately become the Lakers\u2019 starting center after agreeing to a four-year, $130 million contract that includes a player option in the final season and a full trade kicker. The seven-footer had reportedly declined a five-year extension worth roughly $140 million from Utah earlier in the offseason.<\/p>\n Los Angeles had pursued Kessler for several years before finally completing a deal.<\/p>\n The Lakers had repeatedly contacted the Jazz regarding the center, while Kessler and his representatives had long viewed Los Angeles as a potential landing spot, according to ESPN\u2019s Dave McMenamin.<\/p>\n The move addresses one of the Lakers\u2019 biggest weaknesses. The team finished 29th in offensive rebounds per game last season, an area where Kessler has established himself as one of the league\u2019s best.<\/p>\n He averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks during his most recent healthy campaign, leading the NBA with 4.6 offensive rebounds per game. Since entering the league in 2022, only Victor Wembanyama has averaged more blocks per game.<\/p>\n The front office\u2019s aggressive approach comes after ESPN reported that Luka Doncic had informed the organization of his desire to play alongside an \u201cA-list center,\u201d and Kessler appears to fit that description.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Kawhi Leonard Reunion Gives Raptors Another Shot<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n