The start of training camp is nearly here for the Los Angeles Lakers as they begin their preparation for the 2026-27 season. L.A. retooled its roster around star Luka Doncic and at the forefront was bringing in a cornerstone center in Walker Kessler.
The Lakers registered interest in Kessler for several years, but the Utah Jazz were never willing to trade him. The big man finally made his way to the Lakers this offseason and happened to do so along with his former Jazz teammate Collin Sexton. After playing with Kessler for around three seasons, Sexton believes he will have a huge impact defensively for L.A. this year.
“[Kessler] is going to have a huge impact, especially on the defensive end,” Sexton said in an interview with ESPN LA. “His presence, his rim protection and even just his offensive ability that he’s been working on this summer. I’m super excited for him and the opportunity and also just he’s one of my guys. He’s one of my guys, he’s from Atlanta. So, whenever I’ve been talking to him even when he wasn’t on the same team, I just told him like, ‘I got your back,’ and next thing you hear, we’re here. So, it’s cool.”
Sexton also believes Kessler has room for growth on the offensive end of the court.
“The 3-point shot, but also just finishing around the rim even better and a lot of post moves,” Sexton said of Kessler. “So, it’s cool. It’s cool to see that he used that break where he wasn’t playing all last season to really work on his game and develop it. So, I’m super excited for him and his growth and I can’t wait to be back on the court with him.”
Adding Kessler was the best outcome for the Lakers this offseason given the limited center options. He fits the bill of a big who can thrive next to Doncic as a lob threat, along with his superb rim deterrence.
There have been glimpses of the Auburn product working on his jump shot and in a limited sample size last season, he showcased the ability to hit 3-pointers. Los Angeles knows what they are getting from a defensive perspective, but if his offense can continue to evolve, the Lakers’ commitment to Kessler may pay off in a major way.
Horace Grant likes Walker Kessler addition for Lakers
There are skeptics when it comes to the price the Lakers paid for Kessler, in terms of both contract and draft capital. However, L.A. obviously needed to find its long-term center and Kessler is the perfect fit.
Despite this inherent gamble, former four-time champion big man Horace Grant spoke positively about the Kessler addition.
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