Lakers acquire Kessler in $129.5m deal amid analyst scepticism
Yahoo Sports analyst Ben Rohrbach labels the sign-and-trade agreement one of the worst team deals of the free agency period, citing high costs and depleted future assets.
The Los Angeles Lakers have completed the acquisition of former Utah Jazz centre Walker Kessler through a sign-and-trade agreement, a move that has drawn immediate scrutiny regarding its long-term strategic value. Kessler has signed a four-year contract worth $129.5 million, which averages $32.5 million per season. In exchange for the centre’s services, the Lakers were required to surrender two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps to the Jazz.
The transaction occurs against the backdrop of a significant roster overhaul for the Lakers, who have lost multiple key players during the current free agency window. However, the acquisition of Kessler has been characterised by caution rather than celebration. Ben Rohrbach of Yahoo Sports has described the contract as one of the worst team deals of the free agency period, highlighting the disparity between the financial outlay and the player’s recent availability.
Concerns are further compounded by Kessler’s injury history. His 2024-25 season with the Jazz was curtailed by left shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum, limiting his playing time to just five games. Prior to the injury, Kessler had averaged 11.3 points, 12.1 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, and 1.8 assists in 30.1 minutes per game. Analysts have noted that the Lakers are effectively banking on the player returning to those pre-injury performance levels, a variable that remains uncertain.
The deal also raises questions about the franchise’s future flexibility. Rohrbach observed that by depleting their draft capital, the Lakers have removed assets that could have been utilised to support the team during the anticipated Luka Doncic era. The commentary suggests that the organisation is now relying heavily on Kessler to perform, having given away the safety net of future picks should the acquisition fail to meet expectations.
Similar scepticism has been applied to other recent additions to the Lakers’ roster, including signings for Reaves, Grimes, Mamukelashvili, and Sexton. Despite the external criticism, Kessler has emphasised the organisation’s commitment to him as a primary motivator. He told ESPN that the franchise’s investment, both in monetary value and draft assets, demonstrates a belief in his potential, stating he intends to “run through a brick wall” for the team.
