Austin Reaves Drops Honest Take on Lakers' New Big Man Walker Kessler
LeBron James’ days with the Los Angeles Lakers are officially done, and just like that, the franchise enters a new era behind Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who just signed a new long-term deal to remain in LA through the 2029-2030 season.
Reaves declined his $14.9 million player option and re-signed a four-year, $185 million maximum extension, the highest contract ever given out to an undrafted player.
It capped off a remarkable rise from a lightly recruited Arkansas high school prospect to becoming a legitimate Lakers cornerstone, averaging 23.3 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game last season as Doncic’s co-star.
And as soon as free agency kicked off, the Lakers brought in a wave of new players to maximize their championship window.
LA signed stretch big man Sandro Mamukelashvili, two-way wing Quentin Grimes, and backup point guard Collin Sexton. But the biggest acquisition was the sign-and-trade deal for 7-foot-2 center Walker Kessler.
Speaking with reporters on Monday, Reaves addressed the Lakers’ signing of Kessler, whom he had previously played with for Team USA during the FIBA World Cup.
“He’s a big, goofy dude that just enjoys life and has fun,” Reaves said. “Obviously, you see what he does basketball-wise and how he impacts the game. He’s good defensively, good in the pocket. Just a smart player. So I’m happy to have him on the team and get to play with him.”
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LA filled a lot of holes this offseason, but Kessler was the biggest move because he addresses the Lakers’ biggest problem coming into the summer, interior defense and rim protection.
Last season with the Utah Jazz, Kessler was limited to just five games after having to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. But in those five games, he averaged a career-high 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game.
This came after a breakout 2024-25 season in which Kessler led the league in blocks (2.8 per game), along with 11.1 points and 12.2 rebounds per game, the fifth-highest mark in the NBA. He also shot 66.3% from the field and led the league in offensive rebounds (4.6 per game).
Heading into the 2026-27 season, expectations are high for the Lakers. Doncic and Reaves remain one of the best-scoring duos in the NBA, and with Kessler now anchoring the paint, plus more key pieces along the perimeter, this is a team looking to make a real title push next season.
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This story was originally published July 14, 2026 at 11:07 AM.