Lakers' five new signings officially unveiled! Kessler looks forward to teaming up with Doncic, Mamu praises the Mamba Mentality

On July 14th Beijing time, the Lakers' five new additions were officially presented, displaying their new uniforms and participating in interviews. Each player was all smiles. Kessler will be wearing No. 14, Hardy No. 7, Grimes No. 5, Mamu No. 54, and Sexton No. 10.

Walker Kessler is the most significant pickup for the Lakers in this offseason's free agent market. Kessler revealed today that he has received medical clearance to play after shoulder surgery and is very much looking forward to playing alongside Luka Doncic.

The 24-year-old Kessler joined the Lakers earlier this month via a sign-and-trade deal with the Jazz, signing a four-year, $130 million contract. The Lakers sent two unprotected first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps to acquire the 7-foot-2 center. He was also one of the most sought-after restricted free agents on the market this summer.

"When you know a team believes in you, it really touches you inside," Kessler said. "The Lakers invested so many resources and demonstrated that trust with real money—not just the salary but also numerous draft assets. Since they have such faith in me, I'm willing to give my all for this team. I've always played that way since I was a kid."

Kessler admitted that the restricted free agency negotiation process was quite tedious and "not a pleasant experience," but after spending four seasons with the Jazz, ending up with the Lakers feels like "everything is for the best." The Lakers' top priority this summer was to upgrade the center position, creating a finishing threat at the rim for Doncic while also bolstering the team's interior defense.

"Doncic's impact on the court speaks for itself," Kessler said. "With him out there, the other four teammates can focus on their own roles more easily. I can help him by protecting the rim, setting quality screens, and assisting him in getting more assists. Playing will definitely be a lot of fun. I've never played with a point guard of his size and dominance—opponents can hardly contain him."

Last season, Kessler averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game, but he only played in five games after undergoing left shoulder surgery in November. Kessler revealed that the left shoulder issue had been present since his college days and "worsened further last year."

The 2022 first-round pick is about to enter his fifth NBA season, and he stated that his shoulder is "in the best condition of his career."

"The doctors have cleared me to play. The shoulder is strong and mobile. I just want to get back on the court. Missing an entire season makes you see things clearly. Being away from the game for so long makes you love basketball even more. I've fallen back in love with the sport, and now I just want to play and win."

The Lakers have been busy this offseason: re-signing Austin Reaves, bringing in Mamukelashvili, Sexton, Grimes, and Looney (officially announced but not yet introduced) via free agency, and acquiring Hardy through a trade. Meanwhile, James, Hachimura, Smart, Kennard, Ayton, and Hayes have all left the team.

The 27-year-old Mamukelashvili had a breakout season last year with the Raptors and is expected to compete for a starting spot in the Lakers' revamped frontcourt. The power forward averaged 11.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game during his single season in Toronto, and he noted that coming to Los Angeles means stepping onto the "biggest stage."

"Growing up watching Kobe and all those legends, the Lakers are a household name," Mamukelashvili said at the introductory press conference. "Wearing a Lakers jersey with my own name on it is incredible. I have a 'Mamba Mentality' tattoo, and I really admire Kobe's mindset. I used to joke and call it 'Mamu Mentality'—the pronunciation is quite different, but I hope to get as close to the Mamba Mentality as possible."

The 27-year-old Sexton said he has studied Marcus Smart's game tape from his year with the Lakers extensively, hoping to take on a similar role as an energetic guard who can "swing the outcome" of games. The 2018 lottery pick averaged 15.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists last season while playing for the Hornets and Bulls.

"I watched a lot of playoff footage, and I've been observing Smart's game for years. I also studied Avery Bradley, admiring how he changed the pace of the game with his defense. Even though that was a long time ago, I really appreciate his competitive nature—he's my role model."

Sexton added: "Smart and Bradley both focused on defense and locking down opponents. I believe I can bring the same value to this team."