Add The California Post on Google The Lakers headlined their summer by signing Walker Kessler to a four-year, $130 million deal Wednesday.
Superstar Luka Donic requested the Lakers make major improvements to the roster, including the addition of an A-list center.
Walker Kessler checks off all the boxes of an A-list center. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con Kessler fits the bill.
According to StatMuse, Kessler is the only starter in NBA history with 10-plus points per game, 10-plus rebounds per game, two-plus blocks per game while shooting 67% or better from the field.
The 24-year-old spent the first four seasons of his NBA career with the Jazz. While Kessler was injured for most of last season, he’s earned a reputation for being one of the league’s premier interior defenders throughout his early career.
The Lakers posted a 116.4 defensive rating last season but proved to be inconsistent during the campaign. Now, general manager Rob Pelinka has addressed a pivotal issue by acquiring Kessler.
Kessler should pair well with Lakers stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Pelinka also addressed other holes on the roster left by departing free agents Luke Kennard and Marcus Smart. The additions of guards Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton as well as big man Sandro Mamukelashvili highlight the Lakers’ sense of urgency this offseason, but the team’s status as a contender remains uncertain.
Regardless, the Lakers have finally added a legitimate big with a ton of upside. Kessler should pair well with Doncic and Austin Reaves, but the team will need to make additional moves to round out the roster after losing multiple free agents this summer.
