Walker Kessler

El Segundo, CA, - September 28, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler participates in the team's media day at the UCLA Health Training Center on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026 in El Segundo, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) LOS ANGELES — The Luka Dončić era is officially underway as the Los Angeles Lakers opened training camp on Tuesday. Following an offseason of roster overhaul — nine new players joined the team this summer — the competition for a spot in the starting ...

New addition Walker Kessler is convinced the Lakers have the right guys to be "a nasty defensive team" and a contender in the Western Conference this season

The Lakers wanted Walker Kessler. They really, really wanted Walker Kessler. Los Angeles gave Utah two unprotected first-round picks and two future pick swaps to get the 7-foot-2 center, then handed Kessler a four-year, $130 million contract. That’s not filling a hole. That’s a bet. And as Dave McMenamin of ESPN noted, whether that bet pays […] The post Lakers bet big on Walker Kessler. They better be right appeared first on Hoops Wire.

The Lakers revamped their roster this summer after LeBron James and several other key contributors departed and now must find the right pieces to build around the core trio of Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler. Quentin Grimes, who signed a four-year, $60MM deal this summer, hopes to prove he’s a valuable part of […]

El Segundo, CA, - September 28, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler takes part in a press conference during the team's media day at the UCLA Health Training Center on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026 in El Segundo, CA. (Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Through five games last year, Walker Kessler was off to the best start of his career as he averaged 14.4 points (78.6 percent true shooting), 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.8 blocks. But his quick success was immediately der...

Walker Kessler said the belief shown by the Los Angeles Lakers has made him eager to contribute after joining the team in a blockbuster offseason move, saying he can “run through a brick wall” for the organization and his teammates. Kessler spoke about his new role during Lakers media day on Monday, September 28, highlighting […] The post Walker Kessler: ‘I can run through a brick wall’ for Lakers appeared first on TalkBasket.net.

LOS ANGELES – Aside from re-signing budding star Austin Reaves, the Los Angeles Lakers’ top priority coming into the offseason was to acquire a true starting center. They may have given up quite a haul, but the Lakers believe they have found their new franchise big man in incoming fifth-year center Walker Kessler. During a […] The post Walker Kessler teases major offensive leap that will leave Lakers fans excited appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The long summer is over. The NBA is back. And the 2025-26 Los Angeles Lakers are here to talk all about it at media day.

Amid a busy offseason full of signings, trades and departures, the Los Angeles Lakers’ most notable addition was center Walker Kessler, whom they acquired via sign-and-trade from the Utah Jazz. Ideally, Kessler will serve as the long-term answer at center during the Luka Dončić era, a position which has eluded the Lakers since trading away Anthony Davis to acquire Dončić in February 2025. During Monday’s media day, Dončić spoke about Kessler, telling reporters he “really wanted...

When the Jazz made the blockbuster trade for Jaren Jackson Jr. last February, a vision was put into place. A vision of a healthy Walker Kessler pairing up with JJJ to create the most daunting defensive rim presence in the NBA. Everyone was on board. Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen, Will Hardy, Danny Ainge, Austin Ainge, the Jazz fanbase. Everybody bought in but Kessler, who apparently wanted to do everything in his power to not play in a purple mountain jersey ever again. According to Marc Stein...

Walker Kessler’s contract stance played a major role in the Utah Jazz’s decision to trade him to the Los Angeles Lakers this summer, according to Marc Stein. Kessler’s camp successfully convinced Jazz officials that the center was determined to accept the qualifying offer if he remained in Utah, according to Stein. That would have allowed […] The post Walker Kessler forced Jazz to trade him appeared first on TalkBasket.net.

Although the Los Angeles Lakers made numerous moves this offseason, areas of concern remain for general manager Rob Pelinka and the front office. One spot, in particular, is the backup center position, as Kevon Looney remains the sole true center behind Walker Kessler. If Kessler ends up missing time due to injury, it puts pressure […]

The Jazz were at risk of losing Walker Kessler for nothing in 2027.

The Lakers' reasonings for making a significant investment to acquire Walker Kessler are simple.