Just one day after learning that LeBron James will not return as a free agent, the Los Angeles Lakers completed a sign‑and‑trade with the Utah Jazz, acquiring center Walker Kessler.
In exchange, Los Angeles sent two unprotected first‑round picks (2013 and 2033) and pick‑swap rights for 2028 and 2030 to Utah. Kessler also secured a four‑year, $130 million contract with the Lakers.
Oddsmakers responded positively. The Lakers’ odds of winning next year’s NBA title improved from 40‑1 to 30‑1 at BetMGM.
Los Angeles now shares the fifth‑best odds in the Western Conference at 16‑1, tied with the Golden State Warriors. The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs (+150) are co‑favorites to claim the West.
The Lakers have also signed free agents Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
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