Lakers Acquire Walker Kessler And Extend Contending Roster In Offseason Moves

The Los Angeles Lakers are reshaping the roster around Luka Doni and Austin Reaves after LeBron James decided not to return. Los Angeles reached agreement to acquire center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz and lined up three free-agent signings, reshaping the rotation at centre, on the wing and in the backcourt.

Front office planning also centred on keeping Austin Reaves in place as a core piece with Doni. The Lakers began this off-season by agreeing a four-year extension with Reaves worth up to $184.8million, which is the largest contract ever signed by an undrafted NBA player.

The Kessler move cost the Lakers substantial draft capital, according to multiple reports. Los Angeles is sending two unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 plus first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030 to Utah. In return, the Lakers are receiving Kessler and have agreed a four-year, $130million extension.

Kessler had been heading towards restricted free agency and reportedly found contract discussions with Utah difficult. The 7-foot-2 center, a 2022 first-round pick, gives Los Angeles extra size and rim protection on defence. Kessler also provides Donia with a reliable lob option in pick-and-roll actions, which has been a clear roster need.

Kessler appeared in only five games last season because of a shoulder injury but briefly showed a new shooting range. The centre hit 6 of 8 attempts from three-point distance in that short spell. Across 201 career games, Kessler has averaged 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.36 blocks while shooting 68.1% from the field.

The Lakers moved quickly in free agency as well, agreeing deals with Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton. Mamukelashvili reportedly signed for four years and $52million after a breakout season with the Raptors, during which Mamukelashvili averaged 11.2 points and shot 38.9% from three-point range.

Grimes is expected to supply perimeter shooting and secondary ball-handling under a reported four-year, $60million agreement. Grimes averaged 13.4 points with the 76ers last season, though Grimes’ three-point percentage slipped to 33.4% after hitting 38.5% from beyond the arc during the 2024-25 campaign.

Sexton’s reported contract is $19million over two seasons, giving Los Angeles an experienced reserve point guard. Sexton is a career 38.9% shooter from three-point distance. The Lakers also gain existing chemistry between Sexton and Kessler, as Sexton assisted on 92 Kessler field goals across three seasons together in Utah, the most from any Jazz teammate.

Los Angeles Lakers outlook after major roster changes

These decisions arrive one day after LeBron James announced a departure from the Lakers, which alters the franchise’s direction. The supporting group around Doni and Reaves will therefore look very different next season as Los Angeles aims to remain a contender with additional size, shooting and ball-handling depth across the rotation.