Lakers Acquire Walker Kessler in Sign-and-Trade, Sending Two First-Round Picks to Jazz

Walker Kessler has been medically cleared following shoulder surgery and signed a four-year, $130 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, ESPN reported Monday. The 24-year-old center completed the agreement earlier this month as part of a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz. The Lakers sent two unprotected first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps to acquire him.

"It makes you feel a certain way when you know an organization believes in you," Kessler said. "With what [the Lakers] have invested, they're showing that belief, in a monetary value. Not just with money, but in [draft] assets.

If I know they have that belief in me, I'm going to run through a brick wall for them. " He added that he is eager to play alongside Luka Doncic, noting the guard's size and presence create easier opportunities for teammates on defense and screening. Kessler averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks last season despite appearing in only five games.

He underwent left shoulder surgery in November after first injuring the shoulder in college. The shoulder now "feels better than it's ever felt in my life," he said.

"I'm just excited to play again. Sitting out a whole year definitely puts a lot of things in perspective. The heart grows fond in absence.