This summer hasn't played out the way many Los Angeles Lakers fans had expected. Many had hoped for an explosive trade or several key free agent signings.
Instead, they got the Walker Kessler sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz. Adding Kessler solves some of the biggest problems, namely rim protection and the need for an upgrade at center.
On the other hand, he cost them a pretty penny to acquire, with them having to give up two firsts, two seconds, and a pick swap. If that wasn't enough, they also signed him to a massive 4-year, $130 million deal, which will pay him at least $32.5 million over the next four seasons.
Few would disagree with Kessler being a good starting center. However, Yahoo Sports recently compiled a list of the worst free agent signings, and his name appears on it.
The Lakers overpaid to acquire Walker Kessler
Yahoo Sports has him listed as the fifth worst free agent signing this summer, and it's hard to disagree with that assessment. Yes, the Lakers were wise to upgrade from Deandre Ayton by adding Kessler.
However, Kessler is now the ninth highest-paid center in the NBA. Mind you, that doesn't even include San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama, who is still on his rookie scale deal.
That fact really puts Kessler's salary in perspective. Two things can be true: the Lakers were smart to add Kessler to serve as the backbone of their defense while they also overpaid to acquire him.
The Lakers may regret trading for Walker Kessler
Make no mistake, he could be a big difference maker for the Lakers. Then again, it's hard not to think about the other possibilities. Instead of trading for Kessler, the Lakers could have made smaller moves, such as signing Robert Williams III.
They could have also used some of the assets they traded to the Jazz for Kessler to acquire Lu Dort. Those two players will combine to make less than Kessler next season.
The Lakers could have also just kept Ayton and possibly added another cheap center to fill out their front court. In which case, they could have shored up their front court by adding an athletic rim protector and a pitbull defensive wing while still holding onto their first-round picks.
Of course, that didn't happen, and instead Los Angeles will be left to make the best of their otherwise questionable offseason moves. Kessler could surprise many people next season, but it's fair to question his contract.
