Austin Ainge says Utah discussed trading Walker Kessler off and on for a year, but planned to keep him until the Lakers’ offer was high enough. Los Angeles sent two unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps, then signed Kessler to a four-year, $129 million deal.
Kessler played only five games last season before undergoing shoulder surgery, prompting concerns about the price. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka has maintained that the deal was worth securing the center. Zach Lowe said it left the Lakers without tradeable assets; Sam Quinn argued the price could be rationalized against what Los Angeles gave up to acquire Luka Dončić.
The Lakers are scheduled to open Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors. Oddsmakers have set Los Angeles’ win total at 46.5.
