Lakers trade for Jazz's Walker Kessler, give big man a massive payday

The Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to acquire center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in exchange for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, plus first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030. Kessler is expected to sign a four-year contract worth $130 million as part of the deal. The trade comes one day after LeBron James signaled his departure from the Lakers, with James planning to return to the NBA for the 2026-2027 season.