Earlier this month, news came out that the Los Angeles Lakers had landed Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz.
He is coming off a year where he had averages of 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.8 blocks per contest while shooting 70.3% from the field in five games.
The 24-year-old had spent all four seasons of his NBA career in Utah.
ESPN’s Shams Charania wrote (on July 1): “BREAKING: The Los Angeles Lakers are acquiring Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz for unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, sources tell ESPN. Kessler will sign a massive four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers.”
Walker Kessler Gets Big Personal News
UPDATE: Stockard also made an Instagram post.
Following the news of his big deal, Kessler also got engaged (via Abbie Stockard’s Instagram story).
@LALMuse wrote: “Congratulations to Walker Kessler and his fiancée on their engagement yesterday 💍”
Here’s what people were saying:
@Boozeezy: “he cant stop winning up next is a diff type of ring hopefully”
@SelfHealerPaid: “Awesome! Congratulations to both of them!”
@Ufeelme510: “He’s had the best offseason of his life lmao.”
@ThisIsDNic: “Became a Laker, got a big bag, moving from Salt Lake City to LA, locked in with his lady asap…. Walker Kessler is having a great 2026 lol that’s dope”
@lifeofBlaine3: “Buddy got that contract and said yea let’s lock it in. Respect”
@Ahcenelife007: “What a week for Kessler lol”
@GoldenKnightGFX: “That new contract being put to work already 🔥”
@geemultani24: “Walker Kessler getting 2 rings this year wasn’t on my books”
Looking At Kessler And The Lakers
The Lakers are coming off a season where they lost in the second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs (to the Oklahoma City Thunder).
They are banking on Kessler to be a huge part of their starting lineup next season.
He is the ideal player to pair with superstar Luka Doncic.
Walker Kessler Gets Big Personal News After Los Angeles Lakers Trade