Lakers unveil Walker Kessler after $130 M trade

The Los Angeles Lakers have formally introduced center Walker Kessler, acquired in a major offseason trade, with the 24-year-old vowing to justify the significant investment the franchise made to bring him to Los Angeles. Kessler spoke to reporters on Monday, July 13, 2026, his first media availability since joining the team via a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz.

To acquire the restricted free agent, the Lakers parted with their last two unprotected first-round draft picks, in 2031 and 2033, along with first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030. Kessler also signed a four-year contract worth $130 million. The move directly addresses a longstanding roster need for a starting-caliber center, a position the team has struggled to fill since its 2020 championship run.

Kessler acknowledged the substantial cost, stating it motivates him to prove the organization's faith was warranted. "It definitely makes you feel a certain way when you know an organization believes in you," Kessler said. "And I think what they've invested, they're showing that belief in a monetary value, not just with money, but assets. And for me, I'm somebody that if I know that they have that belief in me, I'm gonna...