New Lakers Rumors Reveal Updated NBA Free Agency Priority After Landing Walker Kessler

Even though the Los Angeles Lakers' big offseason move was acquiring Walker Kessler to solidify their starting center role, they remain in the market for another big man to provide depth and some injury insurance.

Per The Athletic's Dan Woike, the Lakers are still "hunting for reinforcement" at center in free agency.

The Lakers paid a hefty price for Kessler by signing him to a four-year, $130 million contract as part of a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz. They sent unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, as well as first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030 to the Jazz in the deal.

Kevon Looney also joined the Lakers on a one-year minimum deal to be Kessler's backup.

Despite investing all of those resources in the center position, the Lakers have to be cautious about how much they can expect from Kessler and Looney after both players had injury-plagued 2025-26 seasons.

Kessler and Looney combined to play a total of 26 games, with Kessler undergoing surgery in November to repair a torn labrum. Kessler has missed at least 18 games in each of the past three seasons.

The Lakers' roster outside of those two players doesn't boast a lot of size. Sandro Mamukelashvili and Ziaire Williams are their only other players who are at least 6'9".

Unfortunately for the Lakers, the free-agent market for centers is pretty bare right now. Nick Richards, Bismack Biyombo and Dwight Powell are among the notable names still available.

Kessler's fit and availability on the Lakers is going to be a huge fulcrum point for the franchise. If he hits like they are expecting, his dynamic with Luka Dončić could elevate them in the Western Conference.