​The Los Angeles Lakers kicked off NBA free agency by making a bold move, parting with LeBron James in spirit by landing Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz. The deal gives the Lakers a much-needed starting center to pair with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, while handing Kessler a four-year, $130 million contract. Under the arrangement, Los Angeles will send two future unprotected first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps to Utah, and Kessler will sign the new deal after being a restricted free agent whose prior team could still match offers. After talks stalled with the Jazz over an extension, the Lakers’ offer proved irresistible.
Was the cost too steep for the Lakers, who have long sought a reliable big man to complement their stars? Or did Utah misjudge Kessler’s value after his injury-plagued 2024-25 season? USA TODAY Sports weighs in with trade grades for both teams now that Kessler is bound for Los Angeles.
Trade details: Lakers receive Walker Kessler (to sign a four-year, $130 million contract); Jazz receive unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030.
Lakers trade grade: B. The Lakers pursued a reliable center to partner with Dončić and Reaves and are placing a big bet that Kessler can be the complementary two-way piece they need. General Manager Rob Pelinka sacrificed substantial future draft capital for a player who missed most of last season with a shoulder injury but logged a double-double average (11.1 points, 12.4 rebounds, 2.4 blocks) across 54 games in 2024-25. If Kessler returns quickly to form, he could be a dynamic lob threat for Dončić, an elite rebounder on offense, and a premier shot-blocker who can shield the Lakers’ backcourt. Yet committing so much salary cap space to a young core built around Dončić, Reaves, and Kessler may limit future flexibility and draft latitude as they attempt to sustain competitiveness against teams like the Spurs and Thunder.
Jazz trade grade: B. Utah surrendered one of the franchise’s recent successful first-round picks but reaped a substantial windfall of future draft capital. Given Kessler’s injury history and relatively limited offensive repertoire, some might argue the Jazz received fair or even generous compensation in exchange for a player still developing and coming off a major injury. Nevertheless, the Jazz add significant draft assets that could fuel their ongoing rebuild.