How Much Money Lakers Spent on Kessler, Free Agents LeBron Has Scored 100x More Playoff Points Than

The Los Angeles Lakers are taking a big step backward in terms of playoff experience with their revamped roster heading into the 2026-27 season.

The Lakers have shelled out around $262 million on new contracts for Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton. Dan Woike of The Athletic noted those four have combined to score 81 points in the playoffs, which is 100 times fewer than LeBron James' all-time record of 8,521 playoff points.

There's simply no replacing James, who isn't returning to Los Angeles, in terms of his wider body of work. He's one of the greatest players ever, and his counting stats are off the charts thanks to playing 23 seasons.

This offseason underscores how much has changed in the Lakers' mindset now that they're building around Luka Dončić.

The Kessler deal in particular is something that would've been hard picturing when James and Anthony Davis were the focal points. Los Angeles is not only signing the big man for $130 million, but it also gave up two unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps.

President of basketball operations Rob Pelinka leveraged his remaining draft assets for a 24-year-old center who hasn't made an All-Star team or appeared in a playoff game.

One can see the vision. Kessler was a very good rim protector and rebounder with the Utah Jazz, and he should complement Dončić very well. Grimes, meanwhile, is a 36.6 percent three-point shooter and should boost the Lakers' perimeter defense.

Altogether, it's a big bet on a roster that collectively hasn't shown much on the biggest stage.