Walker Kessler

Professional basketball player

American Atlanta, Georgia, USA Leo 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m)

Quick Info

ProfessionProfessional basketball player
NationalityAmerican
Date of Birth26/07/2001
Age25 years
BirthplaceAtlanta, Georgia, USA
Zodiac SignLeo

Latest News about Walker Kessler

09/07/2026

The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade in July 2026, giving up unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030. Kessler was reported to agree to a four-year, $130 million contract with the Lakers. The move was one of several roster changes for the Lakers that offseason.

05/11/2025

Walker Kessler was reported to need season-ending surgery on his left shoulder after a labral tear in early November 2025. He had appeared in only five games during the 2025-26 season before being shut down. The injury also came during a contract year in which he and the Jazz had not agreed on an extension.

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Bio/Wiki

SummaryWalker Ross Kessler is an American professional basketball center who plays for the Los Angeles Lakers of the NBA after a 2026 trade. He previously played for the Utah Jazz from 2022 to 2026.
Early LifeHe attended Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia, where he led his team to its first Class 4A state title in his senior season.

Physical Stats & More

Height7 ft 2 in (2.18 m)
Weight245 lb (111 kg)
PositionCenter
Jersey Number14

Educational Qualification(s)

High SchoolWoodward Academy, College Park, Georgia
College
  • University of North Carolina (2020-2021)
  • Auburn University (2021-2022)

Career

DraftSelected 22nd overall in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies
Teams
  • Utah Jazz (2022-2026)
  • Los Angeles Lakers (2026-present)
Awards and Honors
  • Naismith Defensive Player of the Year (2022)
  • NABC Defensive Player of the Year (2022)
  • SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2022)
  • First-team All-SEC (2022)
  • Third-team All-American (2022)
  • NBA All-Rookie First Team (2023)
  • McDonald's All-American (2020)
  • Mr. Georgia Basketball (2020)
Trade and Contract
TradeAcquired by the Lakers from the Utah Jazz in July 2026 in exchange for unprotected first-round picks and pick swaps
ContractReported four-year, $130 million deal with the Lakers (2026)

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. He was known for shot-blocking and rebounding as a rim protector early in his NBA career.
2. He played one college season each at North Carolina and Auburn before entering the 2022 NBA Draft.
3. He averaged 9.5 points and 9.3 rebounds per game over his first four NBA seasons with the Utah Jazz.

Also born on 26 July

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