Walker Kessler embraces expectations after joining Lakers
Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Jul 13, 2026, 11:51 PM
Last updated Jul 13, 2026
Walker Kessler was introduced as the Los Angeles Lakers' new center after signing a four-year, $130 million contract. The Lakers acquired Kessler in a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz, sacrificing two unprotected first-round draft picks. Kessler expressed excitement about helping the team and working with star Luka Dončić, stating he is eager to prove his value following a challenging free agency. After limited appearances last season due to shoulder surgery, Kessler is now healthy and ready to contribute to the Lakers’ championship aspirations.
- •Kessler signed a four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers.
- •The Lakers traded two first-round picks to acquire him from the Jazz.
- •Kessler averaged 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds last season.
- •He looks forward to teaming up with Luka Dončić on the court.
- •Kessler aims to anchor the paint for the Lakers' defense.
- 3:00 PMYahoo Sports — Walker Kessler sends clear message to Lakers after sign-and-trade, Luka Doncic recruitment
- 5:31 AMYahoo Sports — Walker Kessler is healthy, is impressed with Lakers' belief in him
- 3:25 AMYahoo Sports — Walker Kessler Gives Great Update On Teaming With Luka Doncic
- 11:51 PMYahoo Sports — Walker Kessler’s first message to Lakers fans will have everyone fired up
"The Los Angeles Lakers will have a lot of pressure on them entering next season with a new roster built around Luka Doncic. Walker Kessler was acquired after the Utah Jazz agreed to deal him for two future first round draft picks. Los Angeles also had to pay their new big man over $30 million […] The post Walker Kessler Gives Great Update On Teaming With Luka Doncic appeared first on HEAVY.
"The Lakers paid a hefty price to land Walker Kessler, and the new $130 million center is embracing the expectations. Kessler says he’s ready to “run through a brick wall” for Los Angeles and is already looking forward to teaming up with Luka Dončić.
"New Lakers center Walker Kessler is motivated to give the team all that he has after it sacrificed a lot to get him in restricted free agency.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 14, 2026, 3:00 PMWalker Kessler sends clear message to Lakers after sign-and-trade, Luka Doncic recruitment
The Los Angeles Lakers' new center didn't mince his words on joining the franchise.
- Yahoo SportsJul 14, 2026, 5:31 AMWalker Kessler is healthy, is impressed with Lakers' belief in him
New Lakers center Walker Kessler is motivated to give the team all that he has after it sacrificed a lot to get him in restricted free agency.
- Yahoo SportsJul 14, 2026, 3:25 AMWalker Kessler Gives Great Update On Teaming With Luka Doncic
The Los Angeles Lakers will have a lot of pressure on them entering next season with a new roster built around Luka Doncic. Walker Kessler was acquired after the Utah Jazz agreed to deal him for two future first round draft picks. Los Angeles also had to pay their new big man over $30 million […] The post Walker Kessler Gives Great Update On Teaming With Luka Doncic appeared first on HEAVY.
- Yahoo SportsJul 13, 2026, 11:51 PMWalker Kessler’s first message to Lakers fans will have everyone fired up
The Lakers paid a hefty price to land Walker Kessler, and the new $130 million center is embracing the expectations. Kessler says he’s ready to “run through a brick wall” for Los Angeles and is already looking forward to teaming up with Luka Dončić.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
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