The Los Angeles Lakers gave up a lot to acquire center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz, but the franchise’s top priority this offseason was finding a center to pair with Luka Doncic and they believe they did just that. Of course there are some injury concerns with Kessler, however, as he missed nearly all of last season, playing just five games before undergoing surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
That time away from basketball seems to have energized Kessler, as he spoke about what having to sit out did for him mentally, and he is now ready to play winning basketball for the Lakers, via Dave McMenamin of ESPN:
“Sitting out a whole year definitely puts a lot of things in perspective,” Kessler said. “The heart grows fond in absence. I think falling in love with this game again and just realizing I just want to go win. I just want to play to win.”
Kessler has spent his entire NBA career with the Utah Jazz and they have not been committed to winning in that time. The Jazz went 107-221 during Kessler’s time with the franchise, never having a winning season or making the playoffs. But with the Lakers the expectations are completely different.
The Lakers are a franchise committed not just to winning, but winning at the highest level and bringing home championships. That is something Kessler is anticipating and looking forward to, especially after being forced to watch from the sidelines due to injury last year.
Oftentimes, players suffer these injuries and are able to see the game differently, noticing things they wouldn’t normally and growing a new appreciation for the game they love. That seems to be the case for Kessler and he will take that focus into his first season with his new team.
The pressure that comes with playing for the Lakers is unlike anything he has ever experienced in his basketball life. But if Kessler can succeed and help the Lakers return to championship contention, he will be absolutely beloved by the fans and experience joy unlike anything else.
Robert Horry believes Walker Kessler is the key to Lakers success this season
Not only is Kessler anticipating getting back on the court, but the Lakers are looking forward to it as well as he will be a big part of this team. In fact, former player and analyst Robert Horry believes Kessler, not Doncic or Austin Reaves, will be the key to the Lakers’ success.
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