The Los Angeles Lakers’ aggressive pursuit of Walker Kessler this offseason was not solely a front-office decision. According to Iztok Franko of the Diggin’ Basketball Substack, franchise star Luka Doncic strongly advocated for the move, underscoring how central the young center was to the team’s plans.
Franko wrote that, “If Kessler was the franchise center Doncic wanted so badly, and from the people I’ve spoken to I can confirm he pushed hard for this move, then perhaps that was simply the cost of doing business.” The report offers fresh insight into the blockbuster trade that reshaped the Lakers’ roster following LeBron James’ departure.
Los Angeles paid a significant price to acquire Kessler from the Utah Jazz, signing the 24-year-old to a four-year, $130 million contract as the centerpiece of its new-look frontcourt. The deal reflected the organization’s commitment to building around Doncic after he finished fourth in MVP voting during the 2025-26 season.
The Slovenian star delivered another elite campaign, averaging 33.5 points, 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds while shooting 47.6% from the field and 36.6% from three across 64 games. The Lakers went 53-29, won the Pacific Division and reached the Western Conference semifinals before being swept 4-0 by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Although Deandre Ayton averaged an efficient 12.5 points on 67.1% shooting with 8.0 rebounds during the regular season, the Lakers opted for a different long-term fit. Ayton was subsequently traded to the Washington Wizards as Los Angeles reshaped its roster around Doncic’s preferences.
Kessler has established himself as one of the NBA’s premier rim protectors during his first four seasons. He owns career averages of 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks while shooting an outstanding 68.1% from the field over 201 games. His breakout 2024-25 season featured 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game while starting all 58 appearances.
Although injuries limited him to just five games in 2025-26, Kessler was highly productive when available. He averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.8 blocks while converting 70.3% of his field-goal attempts and even hit 75% of his limited three-point attempts.
The fit with Doncic appears straightforward. Throughout his NBA career, Doncic has thrived alongside vertical spacing threats capable of finishing lob passes while anchoring the defense. Kessler’s elite finishing efficiency, offensive rebounding and shot-blocking profile address areas the Lakers sought to improve after their playoff exit.
Los Angeles also retained Austin Reaves on a reported four-year, $185 million contract and added Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton and veteran Kevon Looney in free agency. The front office reportedly remains interested in adding another impact forward, with Jonathan Kuminga continuing to be linked to the franchise.
