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Walker Kessler gets real about free agency process leading to Lakers arrival
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- Walker Kessler gets real about free agency process leading to Lakers arrival
Walker Kessler gets real about free agency process leading to Lakers arrival appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Walker Kessler had an intriguing journey throughout this offseason as his NBA career changed from representing the Utah Jazz to the Los Angeles Lakers .
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Kessler completed the fourth season of his NBA career with the Jazz. He recovered from shoulder surgery as he missed all but five games throughout the 2025-26 season.
The young center has now placed his focus on helping out the Lakers. Los Angeles pulled off a sign-and-trade for Kessler, acquiring him in exchange for draft compensation to give to Utah.
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Kessler spoke with ESPN reporter Ben Golliver as the center prepares for life in Los Angeles. He even discussed the free agency process , describing it in a difficult light as he was a restricted free agent for Utah this summer.
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"Kessler added that the complex restricted free agency process "isn't the most fun thing ever" but said that ending up with the Lakers after four years with the Jazz was "how it's supposed to be." The Lakers' top summer priority was upgrading the center position to provide a target at the basket for Doncic and to improve the team's interior defense," Golliver wrote.
What lies ahead for Walker Kessler , Lakers
Walker Kessler showcased incredible potential with his talents as a defensive star. The Lakers look forward to him being effective in the lineup next season.
Kessler averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, three assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.4 steals per game in five contests. The year prior, he produced 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per contest in 58 games.
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Los Angeles finished with a 53-29 record this past season, finishing fourth in the Western Conference standings. They took down the Houston Rockets in six games before falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a four-game sweep.
The Lakers regrouped in the offseason, departing from LeBron James , Deandre Ayton , Marcus Smart , and Luke Kennard . They replaced them with Kessler, Collin Sexton , Sandro Mamukelashveli, Quentin Grimes , Kevon Looney , and Jaden Hardy .
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