The Los Angeles Lakers are entering the upcoming NBA season with a significantly reshaped roster following a transformative offseason marked by major player movement and strategic acquisitions. The team’s most notable addition is center Walker Kessler, a 25-year-old former Utah Jazz player, who joined the Lakers on a four-year, $130 million contract in a deal that involved sending four first-round draft picks to Utah. Kessler’s arrival represents a key part of the Lakers’ effort to build around star guard Luka Doncic, who remains the team’s central figure on and off the court.
With LeBron James now signed by the Philadelphia 76ers, the Lakers have embraced a new phase in their rebuilding process. Kessler, who is still acclimating to his new teammates and surroundings, said adapting to the roster remains a challenge, noting, “Still learning names.” Despite this adjustment period, Kessler expressed optimism about his role, emphasizing his focus on defense and facilitating Doncic’s game. “What I can do for him is obviously play defense for him, set great screens. Get him some assists,” he said.
Doncic, who missed national team play during the offseason to prioritize family and rehabilitate a hamstring injury, has been a unifying force for the Lakers. His leadership extended beyond the court last season, as he organized team-building activities and maintained a strong presence within the organization. Early efforts to foster team chemistry continue this summer, with Doncic hosting a minicamp in Slovenia, gathering many Lakers players ahead of training camp.
Kessler’s new teammates include guard Collin Sexton, with whom he shares a prior connection going back to their high school days. He also played alongside Austin Reaves during the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where Reaves was a leading scorer for Team USA and Kessler contributed significantly on defense despite limited playing time. Reaves described Kessler as a “smart player” with a positive presence, highlighting his defensive impact and enjoyment of the game.
Still, the Lakers face questions about their depth at the center position beyond Kessler, with 30-year-old Kevon Looney serving as the only other option. Looney signed a one-year, $3.9 million deal after playing limited minutes with the New Orleans Pelicans last season.
Los Angeles currently fields a roster exceeding the league’s maximum player limit, with 16 players competing for spots. Additional moves are expected as the team looks to finalize its lineup, potentially seeking reinforcements on the wing. Among available players is former Atlanta Hawks forward Jonathan Kuminga, whose free-agent status has sparked speculation about a possible signing.
As the Lakers pursue cohesion and competitiveness in a Western Conference led by teams like Oklahoma City and San Antonio, much will hinge on Kessler’s performance and integration. “If I know that they have that belief in me, I’m gonna run through a brick wall for them,” Kessler said, underscoring his commitment to justifying the team’s investment. The Lakers’ success this season will depend on how quickly their new-look roster can gel and deliver on high expectations.