sports
Lakers Acquire Walker Kessler in Sign-and-Trade Deal with Jazz
The Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a sign-and-trade deal Wednesday to acquire center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz. The move followed LeBron James' announced departure and improved the team's title odds at one sportsbook from +4500 to +3000.
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The Los Angeles Lakers agreed to a sign-and-trade deal Wednesday to acquire 7-foot center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz. The transaction came one day after news broke that LeBron James planned to leave the team. The Lakers' title odds at BetMGM had reached as high as +4500 after the announcement.
Kessler averaged 14.4 points on 70.3% shooting, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in five games last season before season-ending surgery. In 58 games the prior season he averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks. The Lakers gave up unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 plus first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030.
They also signed Quentin Grimes, Collin Sexton, and Sandro Mamukelashvili on the same day.
BetMGM adjusted the Lakers' title odds to +3000 after the Kessler trade. The same sportsbook lists the Golden State Warriors at the same price. The Lakers are no longer pursuing restricted free agent Jalen Duren, according to the report. The Pistons have stated they would match any offer for Duren.
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