The Los Angeles Lakers answered LeBron James’ departure with a frantic burst of free-agency spending, rebuilding their roster around Luka Doncic in little more than half an hour.
James informed the franchise on Tuesday that he would leave after eight years in Los Angeles, clearing cap space and leaving behind a roster needing plenty of work. The front office did not wait around.
Across roughly 35 minutes on Wednesday, the second day of free agency, Lakers president Rob Pelinka completed one trade and three signings — a spree that committed more than a quarter of a billion dollars in fresh money.
How the LA Lakers spent more than $250 million in 35 minutes to build around Luka Doncic
The centerpiece, per ESPN, was a sign-and-trade for Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler.
The Lakers sent unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, plus first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, then signed him to a four-year, $130 million deal with a player option in the fourth year and a full trade kicker.
Kessler is the rim-running big man Doncic has wanted. The 7-foot-2 center is one of the league’s best shot-blockers and offensive rebounders, though he played just five games last season before shoulder surgery. In his last healthy year, he averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks.
Next came guard Quentin Grimes on a four-year, $60 million deal that includes a player option. Grimes has already suited up for four teams in five seasons and was a reliable scorer off the bench in Philadelphia last year, averaging 13.3 points across 75 games.
The Lakers then added forward-center Sandro Mamukelashvili on a four-year, $52 million contract, again with a player option in the final season. The 6-foot-9 stretch big drew Sixth Man of the Year votes in Toronto, averaging 11.2 points while shooting 38.9% from three off the bench.
Finally came guard Collin Sexton, who agreed to a two-year, $19 million deal with a player option — a scoring punch for the second unit.
The four moves total $261 million, all struck in the same short window.
They follow the four-year, $185 million deal handed to Austin Reaves earlier in the summer, cementing a new core of Doncic, Reaves and Kessler now that James is gone.
READ MORE:
Where is LeBron James going? Next team and salary details as LA Lakers exit confirmed
What LeBron James did immediately after telling LA Lakers he was leaving
What LA Lakers have already ‘guaranteed’ about Bronny James’ future after LeBron decides to leave
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
