Walker Kessler Sees Natural Fit With Luka Doncic After Lakers Sign-and-Trade
walker-kessler-sees-natural-fit-with-luka-doncic-after-lakers-sign-and-trade
The Los Angeles Lakers believe they have found the right front-court partner for star guard Luka Doncic, completing a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz to bring in center Walker Kessler.
Speaking to reporters for the first time since the deal was finalized, Kessler said he is eager to share the floor with the four-time All-NBA guard.
“It’s awesome to have a guy like that who wants it,” Kessler said. “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 I’m really looking forward to it.”
Mutual Benefits on Offense and Defense
Kessler, 24, noted that Doncic’s passing and on-ball gravity should simplify life for the other four players on the court.
“Passing the ball, he’s pretty good,” the 7-footer joked. “He has such a big presence that it makes it a lot easier for everybody else to do what they need to do.”
On the other end, the third-year center plans to repay Doncic by anchoring the defense and creating scoring chances through screening and rim-running.
“I can play defense for him, set great screens, get him some assists,” Kessler said. “I’ve never played with a point guard of that size and stature who’s a matchup nightmare, so it’ll be a lot of fun.”
Coaching Staff Wants Expanded Range
Head coach JJ Redick, entering his second season on the sideline, has already challenged Kessler to build on the limited three-point range he flashed last year in Utah. The 22nd pick in the 2022 draft averaged 8.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks while shooting 60.3 percent from the field in 2024-25.
Kessler is expected to start at center, providing rim protection and offensive rebounding next to Doncic, who pushed the organization to pursue the move. The Lakers are hoping the new pairing will replicate the synergy Doncic enjoyed with Jaxson Hayes last season and with big men Daniel Gafford and Derrick Lively during his time in Dallas.
The Lakers open training camp next month.
Source: LakersNation.com
