Ok, that headline is an exaggeration.
But man, today’s free agency haul for the Lakers is fantastic. They landed four role players who can all contribute at a playoff level while also filling different niches that will make Los Angeles better in multiple areas. There are a couple issues with the moves that aren’t strictly related to what happens on the court, but we’ll get to those later. First, let’s talk about each of LA’s new acquisitions.
Collin Sexton is one of the most undervalued guards in hoops. He’s a volume scorer who has pretty much only played for bad teams in his career, which has caused people to overlook how impressive his profile is. Sexton isn’t the typical inefficient microwave combo guard. He’s actually incredibly efficient for his role. Across his eight-year career, he’s averaged 18.3 points on 47.2% from the field and 38.9% from three (he’s done that in just 29.0 MPG, by the way). He also keeps turnovers down, another type of efficiency that matters too, especially in a league that heavily values the possession economy right now.
Getting an offensive talent like Sexton for under $10m AAV is an absolute steal. Sure, he doesn’t offer much defensively (even if he tries to), which won’t lend well to him playing alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. But, as a sixth man, which will likely be his job, Sexton should be phenomenal. This could be the 2026 version of Jalen Brunson playing behind Luka Doncic (without the eventual superstar breakout).
Quentin Grimes is the quintessential modern off-guard that every contender should want. The only real hole in his game is that he’s a bit too streaky for a shoot-first guy. But, he makes up for that with great closeout attacking ability, sharp connective passing, and steadfast point of attack defense. He’s solid even when his shot isn’t falling, and when it is, whew. This is a picture-perfect fit next to Luka. No more notes.
As for Sandro Mamukelashvili, he’s managed to establish himself as a no-doubt rotation piece despite getting drafted 54th overall and being one of the funkiest players in basketball. He’s a power forward with the perimeter comfort of a guard; a true stretch four with a way better handle than most guys of his size and role. His defense doesn’t stand out, but it’s not bad. He can hang on the perimeter against quicker wings. Again, this is a no-brainer fit for a Luka-led team (on offense specifically).
Now, for the headliner: Walker Kessler. From a purely on-the-hardwood perspective, this is an awesome get. Kessler will be just 25 years old at the beginning of next season and he’s already a tried-and-true starting center who blocks shots, rebounds, and converts chippies with the best of them. Everything Deandre Ayton isn’t, Walker Kessler is.
Of course, the Lakers did pay a hefty cost to make that splash. They’ll owe Kessler $130m over the next four years ($32.5m AAV), and they also coughed up two unprotected firsts plus two swaps to the Jazz in order to get him. That’s a significant investment for a player who has injury concerns and hasn’t played a postseason game (or, arguably, any high leverage game in general) in his career.
But, Kessler is good, flat-out, and he makes too much sense for this squad and what they need. If they’re able to make/win the Finals, it won’t matter how much they paid for him (see: Knicks with Mikal Bridges). And, after today, they have a much stronger chance of doing so.
The elephant in the room is that all of this was possible for LA because LeBron is walking in free agency. Whether or not they could have convinced the GOAT to stay is one thing, but the question is, what would give them a better shot at a title: having Bron, Luka, Reaves, and a similarly below-par role player core to last year, or having Luka, Reaves, and a well-rounded roster with versatility on both ends of the floor?
It might be a painful truth, but there’s an easy answer there. Sure, the big three the Lakeshow had was flashy, but they’re trying to maximize Luka’s prime now. If you want entertainment, you better hope LeBron goes to Golden State.
All in all, it’s been a heckuva free agency for the Lakers. A few questions will need to be answered, but in the moment, LA faithful should be nothing but excited.
The Bench Mob Blog 