The Lakers have pulled off a significant deal, sending two future unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps to Utah in exchange for center Walker Kessler. This move provides the team with a legitimate rim protector to anchor the defense, though the cost in draft capital is steep. Alongside the trade, the front office added depth by signing Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton to the roster. These moves indicate a clear push to bolster the rotation immediately rather than waiting for future draft assets to develop. Does the defensive impact of Kessler justify giving up unprotected picks in 2031 and 2033?
Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/49237403/lakers-trading-jazz-center-walker-kessler-sources-say
