​LAS VEGAS — It’s no secret how badly the Lakers wanted – and needed – Walker Kessler.It’s reflected in not just what various Lakers have said about Kessler since acquiring him from the Jazz in a sign-and-trade.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut also their actions and what the franchise invested to bring the 7-foot-2 big man to L.A. to fill their biggest need entering the offseason.Two of their unprotected first-round picks (2031 and 2033), which were the last two first-rounders they had full control over to trade.It’s no secret how badly the Lakers wanted – and needed – Walker Kessler. AP Photo/Anna FuderTwo first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030.In addition to the four-year, $130 million contract Kessler signed with the franchise that starts with a salary of $30.1 million for 2026-27, which makes him the 10th-highest paid center in the league (restricted free agent big man Jalen Duren’s 2026-27 salary from his contract will likely surpass Kessler’s).AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementA significant investment for a player who hasn’t made an All-Star, All-NBA or All-Defense team, and is coming off of playing five games after having left shoulder surgery in November.Kessler is honored by the investment. And ready to prove the Lakers right.“It definitely makes you feel a certain way when you know an organization believes in you,” Kessler said on Monday during his first media availability since joining the Lakers. “And I think what they’ve invested, they’re showing that belief in a monetary value, not just with money, but like you said, assets. And for me, I’m somebody that if I know that they have that belief in me, I’m gonna run through a brick wall for them. That’s just how I’ve been wired my whole life and it definitely makes it a lot easier to go out there and compete for a team.”It’s reflected in not just what various Lakers have said about Kessler since acquiring him from the Jazz in a sign-and-trade. Getty ImagesA significant advocate for Kessler in the Lakers’ pursuit of the 24-year-old center was franchise superstar guard Luka Doncic.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDoncic made it clear entering the offseason he wanted the Lakers to acquire a high-level center who fits into the archetype he usually thrives alongside: A lob-catcher, rim-runner and rim-protector.And the Lakers got the job done by adding Kessler, whose jobs will be made easier because of Doncic.California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedInCalifornia Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, XCalifornia Post Opinion California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!California Post App: Download here!Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!Kessler has averaged 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 25.3 minutes across 201 regular season games since the Jazz drafted him with the No. 22 pick in the 2022 draft.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“Passin