Walker Kessler Will 'Run Through a Brick Wall' for Lakers After $130M Contract, Sign-And-Trade

Walker Kessler is ready to go to battle for the Los Angeles Lakers.

After Kessler landed a four-year, $130 million contract as part of a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz, the big man said he's "going to run through a brick wall" for his new team.

"It makes you feel a certain way when you know an organization believes in you," Kessler said, per ESPN's Ben Golliver. "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. That's how I've been wired my whole life."

That's the kind of energy the Lakers need as they try to compete in a loaded Western Conference. Kessler is also the defensive force that Los Angeles has been after since Anthony Davis was traded away.

Kessler has averaged 2.4 blocks over his career and has established himself as one of the best rim protectors in the league. He faced a setback last year when he played just five games due to a shoulder injury, but it seems he's ready to attack the 2026-27 campaign at full force.