The Lakers wanted Walker Kessler. They really, really wanted Walker Kessler.
Los Angeles gave Utah two unprotected first-round picks and two future pick swaps to get the 7-foot-2 center, then handed Kessler a four-year, $130 million contract. That’s not filling a hole. That’s a bet.
And as Dave McMenamin of ESPN noted, whether that bet pays off is one of the biggest questions surrounding the Lakers entering the season.
Coach JJ Redick has already called Kessler a “perfect fit” alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. President of basketball operations Rob Pelinka basically said L.A. paid the price because centers with Kessler’s skill set simply aren’t easy to find.
“There’s a scarcity of supply,” Pelinka said. “There just is.”
That is true. Kessler gives the Lakers the size, rim protection and finishing ability they’ve wanted alongside Doncic. He’s also only 25, so this isn’t a move for somebody approaching the finish line.
Still, two firsts, two swaps and $130 million buys you more than pretty good. The Lakers pushed a significant chunk of their future into the middle of the table.
Now Kessler has to make sure they don’t regret it.
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