Source: basketnews.com Center Walker Kessler forced the Utah Jazz to trade him to the Los Angeles Lakers during the offseason by threatening to accept a qualifying offer and enter the unrestricted free agent market in 2027, according to insider Mark Stein. Utah was eager to keep Kessler on their roster, but after the threat of losing him without compensation, they executed a sign-and-trade deal sending him to the Lakers in exchange for two first-round draft picks. Last NBA season, the center averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game, shooting 70.3% from the field. He has signed a four-year, $130 million contract with the Lakers.