The Lakers sacrificed much of their remaining draft capital for Walker Kessler, but that does not mean they must consider trading Austin Reaves.
The Los Angeles Lakers made one of the offseason’s biggest commitments when they acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, sending out two unprotected first-round picks and two future pick swaps.
Analyst Zach Lowe believes that price left L.A. with limited flexibility and could eventually force the franchise to consider breaking up its core.
“There’s no question that they overpaid for him and are now trapped with this team and have to figure out: either this is the team or is there a way to pivot by trading Austin Reaves down the line or something like that,” Lowe said. “They are out of tradeable assets because of the Walker Kessler deal.”
Lowe is right about one part of the equation: The Lakers paid a premium. Utah received unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, plus swap rights in 2028 and 2030, while Kessler landed a four-year, $130 million contract.
That does not necessarily mean the Lakers are trapped.
Lakers made a deliberate bet
L.A. did not make the trade in isolation. The franchise committed to Kessler as part of a broader roster overhaul centered on Luka Dončić and Reaves.
Kessler, 24, addresses several qualities the Lakers needed next to Dončić. He is a legitimate rim protector, rebounder and lob threat who can finish the opportunities Dončić creates in pick-and-roll situations.
Before an injured shoulder limited him to five games last season, Kessler averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks during the 2024-25 campaign. He also shot 68.1% from the field.
Giving up premium draft capital for a player coming off a major injury carries clear risk. However, the Lakers acquired Kessler to fill one of basketball’s most difficult positions, and he remains young enough to grow alongside their core.
Reaves is part of the plan
Trading Reaves would only become necessary if the roster underperforms or another star becomes available. The Kessler deal itself does not create that requirement.
Reaves signed a four-year, $185 million contract after averaging career highs of 23.3 points, 5.5 assists and 4.7 rebounds last season. His playmaking and off-ball versatility make him a natural fit beside Dončić.
The Lakers also added Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Sexton, Matisse Thybulle and other complementary pieces. They may lack the draft capital to make another blockbuster move, but they still have movable contracts and young players.
There is a meaningful difference between having limited trade flexibility and being trapped. L.A. chose to use its assets on a 24-year-old center who fits Dončić rather than hold those picks for an uncertain opportunity years from now.
The price raises the stakes, and Kessler must stay healthy to justify it. But if he becomes the long-term defensive anchor the Lakers envisioned, the deal will not leave them stuck. It will have helped complete their core.
