Walker Kessler Reacts To Joining Luka Doncic And The Lakers; Provides Encouraging Shoulder Injury Update
The Los Angeles Lakers made a whole lot of moves this offseason, and the biggest one of the lot was landing Walker Kessler. Luka Doncic had wanted the Lakers to bring in an A-list center, and Aron Cohen asked Kessler what it means to him to step into that role and be a centerpiece.
“I’m excited,” Kessler said. “Very thankful. New chapter for me, playing with Luka and all the guys. It’s a big’s dream come true.”
Doncic had reportedly pushed hard for the Lakers to get Kessler. He wanted a deal done, and they went all out to land the big man via a sign-and-trade.
The Lakers acquired Kessler from the Utah Jazz for two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps. They also gave the 24-year-old a massive four-year, $130 million contract. The Jazz probably won this trade, but the Lakers had a glaring need to address and a superstar to keep happy.
Kessler understands what kind of investment the Lakers have made in him. He’s made it clear he’ll run through a brick wall for his new team.
Kessler averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game for the Jazz in 2025-26. It looked like he was going to have the best season of his career, but then the injury bug struck after just five games. Kessler had to undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. There have been concerns about that shoulder as a result, but he allayed fears here.
“Better than I’ve ever felt,” Kessler said. “Post-op, shoulder feels better than it’s ever been. I just wanna go out there and play. I’m pumped.”
The best version of Kessler is exactly who the Lakers have been crying out for. He is a terrific rim protector, an excellent rebounder, and a good rim-runner to pair with Doncic. Kessler also showed off his newfound range last season, as he went 6-8 (75.0%) from three. Lakers head coach JJ Redick wants him to shoot more threes, and if he can make them consistently, this offense will be even more difficult to slow down.
Lakers president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka believes Kessler has established himself as an elite two-way center now. Pelinka sees him as the kind of dominant big man that has been at the core of every great team in franchise history.
There sure are a lot of expectations on Kessler. It will be interesting to see how he copes with all the pressure. There was none when he was playing for the Jazz, but the spotlight is firmly on him now.
While this massive trade alone would have made July 2026 unforgettable for Kessler, he decided he wanted more. He got engaged to Miss America 2025 Abbie Stockard on July 4. With that in mind, Kessler was asked about his chances of getting another ring with the Lakers this upcoming season.
“Fantastic,” Kessler said. “She’s got the ring right now. I might get another ring next summer with her… Two in one month.”
The Lakers sure would be hoping that turns out to be the case. To go with Kessler, they have brought in the likes of Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Kevon Looney, and Ziaire Williams. It will be fascinating to see how the new-look Lakers fare next season.
