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Lakers Go All-In: Doncic Era Begins With Blockbuster Moves
1 Jul
Summary
- Lakers acquired Walker Kessler for future draft picks and swaps.
- Multiple key players signed, including Grimes, Mamukelashvili, and Sexton.
- Team is heavily focused on winning now, trading away most future assets.
As of July 1, 2026, the Lakers have made a monumental shift, trading for center Walker Kessler and signing him to a four-year, $130 million contract. This move is seen as a significant upgrade, addressing Luka Doncic's need for a strong pick-and-roll big man. The Utah Jazz received two unprotected first-round picks (2031, 2033) and two first-round pick swaps (2028, 2030) in exchange, a deal beneficial for both franchises' future planning.
Beyond Kessler, the Lakers have aggressively pursued a win-now strategy. They signed guard Quentin Grimes to a four-year, $60 million deal and floor-spacing forward Sandro Mamukelashvili to a four-year, $52 million contract. Point guard Collin Sexton is also joining on a two-year, $19 million agreement. These acquisitions, coupled with the earlier re-signing of Austin Reaves to a four-year, $184.8 million deal, cement a core built for immediate success around Doncic.
The Lakers' strategy represents a clear departure from long-term asset accumulation, mirroring past successful 'win-now' gambles by other Los Angeles sports teams. With only a 2032 pick swap and a 2033 second-rounder remaining, the team has committed nearly all its future draft capital to achieving a championship in the coming seasons.
