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What to know about Walker Kessler after Lakers' massive trade for Jazz center originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Los Angeles Lakers lost LeBron James.
His replacement, at least from a salary perspective? Walker Kessler.
The Lakers orchestrated a trade Wednesday for the Utah Jazz center.
The deal was reported by ESPN's Shams Charania with these details: "The Los Angeles Lakers are acquiring Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, sources tell ESPN.
Kessler will sign a massive four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers." It changes the look of the Lakers, but it's a huge deal.
Kessler, having played in Utah, may not be all that familiar, though.
We'll get you up to speed.
MORE: Bronny James' best future doesn't involve a trade from Lakers Who is Walker Kessler? Walker Kessler is a 24-year old center from Atlanta.
He played his college basketball at North Carolina and then Auburn before being drafted No.
22 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies -- although he was immediately sent to the Jazz.
How tall is Walker Kessler? Kessler is listed at 7-foot-2.
That makes him one of the tallest players in Lakers history.
MORE: Why the Warriors are a terrible fit for LeBron James How good is Walker Kessler? Kessler missed almost the entire 2025-26 season with injury, so we'll look at his 2024-25 numbers to answer this.
That season, he played 30.0 minutes per night and shot 66.3% from the floor (he rarely shoots 3s).
Kessler averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.4 blocks per game.
He's a big-time rim protector, and his offensive game still has room to grow.
He could be a great fit next to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
More NBA news: Why the Hornets traded LaMelo Ball to the Timberwolves Warriors want Kawhi Leonard, but there's a problem How Heat can unite Giannis with his brothers Knicks had a superstar opportunity but didn't go for it Giannis legacy with the Bucks remains intact.