The Los Angeles Lakers’ newest center, Walker Kessler, signaled his readiness for the upcoming season by sharing a hype video of his initial workouts with the team in Las Vegas.
Kessler, acquired this summer from the Utah Jazz in a rare restricted free-agency move, posted the video to his Instagram account on July 24, 2026. A repost from the account @showtimeluka declared, “LA fans, I’m here man,” as the footage showed the 7-footer running drills and knocking down jumpers, including three-point attempts.
The Lakers pursued the 23-year-old aggressively, offering their available draft assets to pry him from Utah before signing him to a four-year, $130 million contract. The front office views Kessler as a long-term anchor next to star guard Luka Doncic and recently re-signed guard Austin Reaves.
Last season, albeit on limited attempts, Kessler connected on 75 percent of his shots from beyond the arc. Los Angeles has not featured a consistent stretch-five since Marc Gasol’s 2020-21 stint, and the coaching staff hopes the Auburn product can expand the offense with a reliable perimeter shot while maintaining his rim-protecting presence.
Reaves, who agreed to a four-year, $184 million deal earlier this offseason, welcomed the addition. “He’s a big, goofy dude that just enjoys life and has fun,” Reaves told reporters. “Obviously you see what he does basketball-wise, how he impacts the game. He’s good defensively, good in the pocket and just a smart player. Happy to have him on the team and get to work.”
The Lakers are expected to open training camp in late September with a revamped roster centered on Doncic, Reaves and Kessler as they aim to return to championship contention.
Source: LakersNation.com
