Luka Doncic 'pushed hard' for Walker Kessler trade

The Luka Doncic era has begun in earnest for the Los Angeles Lakers, and they're apparently consulting with him regarding roster moves, just as they once did with the departing LeBron James just a few years ago.

Doncic reportedly wanted them to acquire an "A-list center" this summer. By trading two future first-round draft picks and two first-round pick swaps to the Utah Jazz for Walker Kessler, the Lakers have gotten that type of center.

Kessler, one of the best shot-blocking and rebounding centers in the NBA, has the ability to instantly upgrade the team in the defense and rebounding departments. Iztok Franko, a reporter who has covered Doncic for years, wrote in his Substack that the Slovenian superstar "pushed hard" for Kessler to become a member of the Lakers.

"The price the Lakers paid for Kessler was a steep one: unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, along with first-round swap rights in 2028 and 2030. It is comparable to, and in some cases exceeds, what other teams paid this summer for established stars like Jaylen Brown, LaMelo Ball, and Kawhi Leonard.

"At the same time, there is a perfectly valid counterargument. If Kessler was the franchise center Dončić wanted so badly, and from the people I’ve spoken to I can confirm he pushed hard for this move, then perhaps that was simply the cost of doing business."

Indeed, many are calling the price the Lakers paid for Kessler steep and perhaps even unjustifiable. But given their need for a substantial upgrade at the 5 and the lack of centers on the market who would've given them that type of upgrade, it had to be done.

Kessler has career averages of 9.5 points on 68.1% shooting, 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 25.3 minutes a game over four seasons. The 24-year-old (he will turn 25 later this month) even showed preliminary signs of developing a 3-point shot this past season before a shoulder injury ended his campaign after five games.

Los Angeles also got a contract agreement from Kevon Looney, who will back up Kessler at the 5, and it signed Sandro Mamukelashvili, a hybrid 4/5 who can hit 3-pointers, rebound and work off the dribble. Overall, Doncic is reportedly "excited" about what the team has done so far this summer.

This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Luka Doncic 'pushed hard' for Walker Kessler trade