After losing LeBron James, Lakers bring in 4 key players

Sports

THE Los Angeles Lakers have taken big moves after LeBron James decided to play elsewhere.

In multiple reports, the Lakers acquired their coveted big man Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade deal with the Utah Jazz.

As part of the deal, the Jazz got unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030.

Pundits see the 7-foot-2 Kessler as a great fit to pair with Luka Doncic, who is expected to become the Lakers’ main main following the departure of James.

Kessler was limited to just five games last season after undergoing a left shoulder injury.

When healthy, the 24-year-old Kessaler, who was chosen by the Memphis Grizzlies as the 22nd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, proved he can be a potent force after averaging 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, and 1.7 assists a game in the 58 games that he played with Utah in the 2024-2025 season.

Aside from Kessler, the Lakers also brought in high-caliber players in Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton.

The major acquisitions came after the Lakers lost not just James but also Marcus Smart, Jaxson Hayes, and Luke Kennard. Also reportedly set to leave the Lakers is Rui Hachimura.

The Lakers also took a young and athletic guard after acquiring the draft rights to Baylor guard Cameron Carr, who was selected 24th overall by the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Meanwhile, a blockbuster trade was pulled off when the Boston Celtics sent five-time All-Star Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia Sixers in exchange for nine-time All-Star Paul George.

Other major deals saw Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball, and Kawhi Leonard find new teams in what has been an extra busy offseason.(CCM)