Lakers acquire Walker Kessler in trade with Jazz for future draft picks
ESPN • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 1, 2026, 4:07 PM
Last updated Jul 1, 2026
The Lakers have completed a trade to acquire Walker Kessler from the Jazz, sending unprotected first-round draft picks in 2031 and 2033, along with first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030. This move indicates the Lakers' commitment to strengthening their roster for the future. Kessler is expected to play a significant role in the team's strategy moving forward. The transaction adds depth to the Lakers' frontcourt as they prepare for the upcoming season.
- •Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Jazz.
- •Trade includes unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033.
- •First-round swaps are included for 2028 and 2030.
- •Kessler's addition aims to enhance the Lakers' frontcourt depth.
- •The trade reflects the team's focus on future competitiveness.
- 4:47 PMESPN — Sources: Lakers trade 2 first-rounders for Kessler...
- 4:39 PMYahoo Sports — Jazz to send Walker Kessler to Lakers for haul of draft picks
"The Utah Jazz ultimately did what the Dallas Mavericks could not — get a massive pick haul from the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade. The Jazz agreed on Wednesday to send center Walker Kessler to the Lakers for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and rights to pick swaps in 2028 and 2030, the Deseret News confirmed. Kessler will be signing a four-year, $130 million deal.
"The Lakers are acquiring Walker Kessler from the Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, sources told ESPN.
Sources
External links- ESPNJul 1, 2026, 4:47 PMSources: Lakers trade 2 first-rounders for Kessler...
The Lakers are acquiring Walker Kessler from the Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, sources told ESPN.
- Yahoo SportsJul 1, 2026, 4:39 PMJazz to send Walker Kessler to Lakers for haul of draft picks
The Utah Jazz ultimately did what the Dallas Mavericks could not — get a massive pick haul from the Los Angeles Lakers in a trade. The Jazz agreed on Wednesday to send center Walker Kessler to the Lakers for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and rights to pick swaps in 2028 and 2030, the Deseret News confirmed. Kessler will be signing a four-year, $130 million deal.
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