One of the biggest goals for the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason was bringing in a center to pair with superstar guard Luka Doncic. The front office did just that in acquiring Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz.
Doncic himself reportedly pushed hard for the Lakers to bring in Kessler with all sides believing he is the perfect fit. And now that he is officially a member of the Lakers, Kessler is really looking forward to playing alongside the superstar guard.
“It’s awesome,” Kessler said in his first media availability with reporters. “To have a guy like that, that wants it and obviously it’ll be awesome to play with him and now it’s finally come to fruition. Especially as a big it’s very exciting so just really looking forward to it.”
Kessler also understands how much easier Doncic will make his life on the court, and knows the ways he can help the guard as well.
“I mean, passing the ball he’s pretty good [laughs],” Kessler added. “He has such a big presence on the court it makes all four guys around him, it just makes it a lot easier for them to do what they need to do.
“And then what I can do for him, obviously play defense for him, set great screens, get him some assists. It’s gonna be a lot of fun. I’ve never played with a point guard of that kind of size and stature to where he’s just a matchup nightmare, so it’ll be a lot of fun.”
The attention that Doncic commands from the defense, paired with his high IQ and exceptional passing allows big men to thrive in a way most aren’t normally able to do. Doncic had excellent chemistry with Jaxson Hayes last year, not to mention the likes of Daniel Gafford and Derrick Lively in Dallas so there is a clear blueprint for success.
Kessler will be the anchor of this defense and is one of the best offensive rebounders in the league so he already has those skills. And like he said, if he can set some good screens and get Doncic some easy assists by finishing strong at the rim, it will be a lot of fun and the Lakers will be very successful next season.
JJ Redick wants Walker Kessler to continue expanding shooting range
Last season in limited action, Kessler flashed a bit of 3-point shooting and that is something Lakers coach JJ Redick wants him to continue expanding.
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