The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant investment in their frontcourt, and newly acquired center Walker Kessler is eager to repay their faith. In his first media availability as a Laker on Monday, the 24-year-old expressed gratitude for the team's belief, which was demonstrated by a substantial trade package and a lucrative contract. Kessler, who stands 7-foot-2 and possesses elite defensive instincts, missed most of last season due to a shoulder injury that required surgery, but he now reports feeling better than ever.
'It definitely makes you feel a certain way when you know an organization believes in you,' Kessler said. 'With what they have invested, they're showing that belief, in a monetary value. Not just with money, but in assets. For me, I'm somebody that, if I know they have that belief in me, I'm going to run through a brick wall for them. That's how I've been wired my whole life.'
The Lakers acquired Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade that sent two future first-round draft picks and two first-round pick swaps to Salt Lake City. He then signed a four-year, $130 million deal with Los Angeles, a contract that raised eyebrows around the league given his injury history and limited offensive role. However, the Lakers are banking on his shot-blocking, rebounding, and rim protection to transform a defense that ranked 20th in defensive rating last season, despite finishing second in blocks.
Kessler played just five games this past season before a left shoulder injury—initially sustained in college—required surgery and ended his campaign. He confirmed Monday that the shoulder is fully healed. 'It’s great,' Kessler said of his surgically repaired shoulder. 'Feels better than it’s ever felt in my life. It’s been cleared. Feels strong, feels mobile. Yeah, feels great.' This is a critical development for a Lakers team that has lacked a true defensive anchor since trading Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic in February 2025. While Doncic provides elite offense, the Lakers have struggled to protect the paint and secure defensive rebounds, areas where Kessler excels.
Over his four NBA seasons, Kessler has averaged 9.5 points on 68.1% field-goal shooting, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in 25.3 minutes per game. His efficiency around the rim is among the best in the league, and he has shown flashes of developing a reliable 3-point shot. Before his shoulder surgery cut his season short, he was connecting on a respectable percentage from beyond the arc on limited attempts. Kessler said he discussed his shooting development with Lakers head coach JJ Redick, a former sharpshooter who stresses floor spacing. The ability to stretch the floor would make Kessler an even more valuable complement to Doncic, who thrives with a lob threat but also needs space to operate.
The Lakers' decision to invest heavily in Kessler reflects a broader philosophy shift. After years of relying on Davis as the sole interior presence, the front office prioritized adding a young, durable, and defensively-minded big man. Kessler, at 24, fits the timeline of Doncic (26) and Austin Reaves (26), giving the Lakers a core that could contend for years. However, the price tag—two first-round picks and a massive salary—puts pressure on Kessler to stay healthy and perform at an All-Defensive level.
Kessler's journey to this moment has been marked by steady improvement. Drafted 22nd overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2022 and immediately traded to the Jazz, he earned All-Rookie First Team honors after averaging 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. In his second season, he improved those numbers to 9.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks, establishing himself as one of the league's premier young rim protectors. His shot-blocking instincts, timing, and length make him a deterrent at the basket, and his rebounding prowess helps end defensive possessions.
Offensively, Kessler is primarily a finisher and offensive rebounder. He shot 68.7% from the field in his second season, ranking among the league leaders in true shooting percentage. While he doesn't create his own shot, his gravity as a lob threat and his ability to clean up misses are valuable. With Doncic's elite passing and Reaves's creativity, Kessler should see plenty of easy looks around the rim. The Lakers also hope that Redick can help him expand his range, making him a more versatile weapon in pick-and-pop situations.
The defensive impact cannot be overstated. Last season, the Lakers allowed opponents to shoot 66.1% at the rim, a mark that ranked 25th in the NBA. Kessler, by contrast, held opponents to just 52.4% shooting at the rim during his last full season, a differential that would instantly improve L.A.'s interior defense. His presence also allows the Lakers' perimeter defenders to be more aggressive, knowing they have a last line of defense behind them. This could unlock the full potential of players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Cam Reddish, who are disruptive but often punished by blow-bys.
Kessler's health will be the key factor. The shoulder injury that sidelined him last season was a lingering issue that dated back to his college days at Auburn. He initially injured it during his sophomore season but played through it until the pain became unbearable. The surgery was successful, and Kessler said he has been cleared for full contact. He participated in offseason workouts and scrimmages without issue, and the Lakers' medical staff is confident in his recovery.
Beyond the physical, Kessler brings a mentality that the Lakers have lacked. His comments about running through a brick wall resonate with a fanbase that values grit and toughness. The Lakers have often been criticized for lacking a physical edge, especially after trading the tenacious Davis. Kessler, with his 7-foot-5 wingspan and relentless motor, embodies that defensive intensity. He also brings a maturity beyond his years, having been a team captain at Auburn and a leader on young Jazz teams.
The Lakers' schedule will test Kessler early. They face elite big men like Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and Anthony Davis in the first month. How Kessler holds up against those matchups will set the tone for his tenure. He is not the same caliber of offensive player as Jokic or Embiid, but his defense can disrupt their rhythm. The coaching staff will likely use schemes to keep Kessler near the rim while relying on switches and help from teammates.
Off the court, Kessler has immersed himself in Lakers culture. He has spoken with former Lakers centers like Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum to learn about the pressure and expectations. He also has a close relationship with Luka Doncic, having worked out with him during the offseason. The camaraderie is already evident, with Doncic praising Kessler's screening and rolling in practice.
In the end, the Lakers' gamble on Kessler is a bet on his potential and the value of a defensive anchor in the modern NBA. If he stays healthy and continues to develop, he could be the missing piece that elevates the Lakers back to championship contention. For now, Kessler is simply focused on repaying the belief the organization has shown in him. With a fully healthy shoulder and a chip on his shoulder, he is ready to prove that he's worth every pick and every dollar.
Source:MSN News