What happened:
Luka Doncic reportedly _”pushed hard”_ for the Lakers to go get Walker Kessler this summer. d317
The Details
– *Luka’s ask*: After LeBron left, Doncic told the Lakers front office his top priority was finding an “A-list center”. Multiple reports said Kessler was “the player Dončić wanted at center most of all” and that he fits “perfectly” alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves.
– *The trade*: Lakers sent Utah unprotected 1st round picks in 2031 + 2033, plus pick swaps in 2028 + 2030 for Kessler.
– *The contract*: Kessler then signed a 4-year, $130M extension with a player option.
– *Why now*: The Lakers had inquired about Kessler since 2023-24 but Utah’s price was too high. This summer Utah was more willing to move him as he hit restricted free agency and wanted a big raise. edf4c6b6d317756a
*Why Luka wanReport: Luka Doncic pushed Lakers to trade for Walker Kessler.ted him*
Kessler is 7’2″, 24 years old, and gives exactly what Luka’s game needs:
– *Career*: 9.5 pts on 68.1% shooting, 9.3 reb, 2.4 blk in 25.3 min
– *Last healthy year*: 11.1 pts, 12.2 reb, 2.4 blk
– He’s a rim-runner, lob threat, elite shot-blocker and rebounder — the defensive backbone to cover for Luka and Reaves on defense d31751edc6b6
*The context*
This is part of the Lakers’ full post-LeBron reset. They also added Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Kevon Looney. Doncic is reportedly “excited” about the moves. 51c3967ab577
The price was steep though — that’s basically all of L.A.’s remaining draft capital. The bet is that Kessler stays healthy and becomes Luka’s long-term pick-and-roll partner. 61d3edf4
Think it works? A Luka-Kessler pick-and-roll at Coors… I mean http://Crypto.com Arena should be nasty.
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