One of the main reasons the Los Angeles Lakers executed a sign-and-trade for center Walker Kessler was for him to be the anchor of their defense. Kessler has been one of the best rim protectors since he entered the NBA and the Lakers are banking on that to continue with the purple and gold.
Kessler is averaging 2.4 blocks per game for his career and has consistently ranked among the top players in the league when it comes to rejections. As such, Kessler has the ninth-best shot blocker rating in the new NBA 2K27 video game:
Rejection after rejection 🚫
The Top 10 shot swatters in NBA 2K27 pic.twitter.com/B3fSepWjPC
— NBA 2K (@NBA2K) August 6, 2026
Of course, San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama takes the top spot and has the only 99 shot blocker rating as he is just on another level from the rest of the league and unlike anything we’ve ever seen in NBA history. Washington Wizards young big man Alexander Sarr is second with a 97 while Indiana Pacers center Jay Huff and Oklahoma City Thunder star Chet Holmgren each come in with a 96.
Portland Trail Blazers big man Donovan Clingan rounds out the top five with a 95, followed by Zach Edey, Evan Mobley and Rudy Gobert, who each have a 94. Kessler and New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi complete the top 10.
Kessler making the top 10 is an impressive accomplishment, especially considering he played just five games last season. Despite being out with a torn labrum, the people at NBA 2K still recognize how elite of a rim protector he is and his rating reflects that. Of course, the Lakers are hoping comes out with a vengeance and reminds the world of what he’s capable of on the defensive end, which would cause him to rise even higher on these rankings.
The new Lakers big has 11 games with at least six blocks in his career, including a career-high eight blocks in a 2025 contest against the Toronto Raptors. While in college at the University of Auburn, Kessler had two games with double-digit blocks on his way to winning the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award.
Walker Kessler would rather get game-winning block than basket
If you needed any more evidence about Kessler’s dedication to the defensive side of the floor, the Lakers center spoke about why he would rather have a game-winning block over a game-winning basket, enjoying the idea of crushing the opposition’s dreams and hopes of scoring and winning.
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