Lakers sign Walker Kessler to four-year, $129.5 million deal
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 14, 2026, 10:52 PM
Last updated Jul 14, 2026
The Los Angeles Lakers have signed former Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler to a four-year, $129.5 million contract as part of a sign-and-trade. This signing marks a significant move for the Lakers, who have lost several key players in free agency. Although Kessler is a first-round pick with potential, sources indicate that this deal is viewed as one of the worst contracts of the offseason. Kessler, who struggled with injuries last season, aims to prove his worth with the Lakers and expressed gratitude for the team's investment in him. The Lakers have given up two first-round picks in the deal, which adds pressure on Kessler to perform at a high level to justify the trade.
- •Kessler averages 11.3 points and 12.1 rebounds in limited play.
- •Lakers traded two first-round picks for Kessler.
- •Kessler sees the Lakers' faith in him as motivation.
- •Contract labeled as one of the worst signed this summer.
- •Kessler hopes to overcome past injuries to succeed.
- 10:52 PMYahoo Sports — Lakers’ Signing One of ‘Worst Contracts’ in Free Agency
"The Los Angeles Lakers will look very different next season after losing multiple key players in free agency this summer. One new addition to the Lakers’ squad is former Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler. He secured a four-year, $129.5 million with Los Angeles as part of a sign-and-trade agreement with the Jazz. The contract is a […] The post Lakers’ Signing One of ‘Worst Contracts’ in Free Agency appeared first on LA Sports Report.
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