Sports News Report
League: NBASport: BasketballCountry: United StatesCategory: Scores & Results

Lakers make bold trade for Walker Kessler amid mounting pressure on Pelinka

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 2, 2026, 4:21 PM

Last updated Jul 2, 2026

Lakers make bold trade for Walker Kessler amid mounting pressure on Pelinka
Summary

The Los Angeles Lakers traded for center Walker Kessler in a blockbuster move on July 2, sending two unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps to the Utah Jazz. This transaction follows the re-signing of guard Austin Reaves and comes as the team prepares for a future without LeBron James. General manager Rob Pelinka faces significant scrutiny, as analysts suggest that the trade may jeopardize his job if Kessler does not perform immediately. Pelinka's decisions leave the Lakers with few draft assets until 2032, raising the stakes for Kessler's success.

Source Links
Yahoo Sports
Market Watch
  • •The Lakers acquired Kessler in a sign-and-trade with the Jazz.
  • •Kessler's annual deal is worth $32 million.
  • •LA does not control its own first-round pick until 2032.
  • •Pelinka's job could be at risk if Kessler does not deliver.
Latest Updates
  • 4:21 PMYahoo Sports — LA Lakers GM in Hot Seat After ‘Desperation’ Trade for Walker Kessler?
What they're saying
"

A new report explains why the blockbuster trade for Walker Kessler will be the downfall of Los Angeles Lakers general […]

Related Teams & Leagues
Boston CelticsLos Angeles LakersNew York KnicksPhiladelphia 76ersUtah JazzNBABasketball

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days