sports
Lakers sign-and-trade for center, sign three free agents
The Los Angeles Lakers completed a 35-minute series of roster moves after LeBron James informed the team he would continue his career elsewhere. The team acquired center Walker Kessler via sign-and-trade and signed three unrestricted free agents.
espn.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
The Los Angeles Lakers completed a 35-minute series of roster moves on Wednesday morning after LeBron James informed the team Monday that he would continue his career elsewhere. Lakers governor Jeanie Buss released a statement thanking James for his eight years with the franchise. James posted an appreciative message on X.
The Lakers agreed to a sign-and-trade deal with the Utah Jazz for center Walker Kessler. The team then signed unrestricted free agents Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton. The moves left the Lakers younger than last season's roster.
A source familiar with the 41-year-old's thinking told ESPN that James felt it was time to move on. The source said James wanted to extend his career playing meaningful, competitive basketball. Multiple team sources told ESPN there was no personal rift between James and Luka Doncic. Sources said a disconnect between James and the organization began during the 2021-22 season.
The Lakers had inquired about Kessler as far back as the 2023-24 season, sources told ESPN. Utah's asking price had previously been too steep. Doncic gave the front office a directive this offseason to find an A-list center. Utah had more motivation to move the 24-year-old Kessler, who was a restricted free agent seeking a raise.
