Not everyone loves the Walker Kessler sign-and-trade. Some have even been bold enough to include it among the worst free agency contracts of the offseason. That is a silly thought when considering what the Los Angeles Lakers did upon making this signing: Kessler will be the best center that Luka Doncic has played with in the NBA.
Marc Stein cited that was one of the main motivating factors for the franchise when they went all-in on the now former Utah Jazz center. This is a perfect case of understanding your personnel and setting up the right circumstances for success.
"[Lakers] had promised Doncic a top-flight center in the summer of 2026. ... The Lakers are thus convinced that, pricey as it was to pull off, they have duly delivered the best two-way big man Doncic will have played with through his first nine NBA seasons."
Think about who Doncic is for a second here. Luka has always been a big man whisperer throughout his career. If the Lakers superstar can elevate a mediocre big man, imagine what he can do with one that is more than just competent.
Walker Kessler will be a star next to Luka Doncic on the Lakers
Victor Wembanyama's arrival as a premier talent in the NBA made people forget who Kessler is. Before Wemby, the former Jazz center was the one many feared when attempting to get a bucket down low.
Kessler is an elite rim protector and exactly the kind of big man that an entire defensive scheme can be built around. After dealing with the inconsistent efforts of Deandre Ayton last season, the new big in Los Angeles will offer a fresh breath of air.
On the defensive end, Kessler trumps any of Doncic's former teammates. Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, Kristaps Porzingis — you name them and the Lakers' high-priced center towers above them in terms of ability.
While Kessler is not a world beater on offense, most of his previous big men weren't either. The ones that were, mainly Porzingis, never truly fit quite right.
Kessler knows setting screens and getting open for easy opportunities is how he can make himself most valuable to Doncic. With good hands and finesse on his lob-catching ability, the 24-year-old should the recipient of easy buckets left and right.
This is the type of situation that will have everyone forgetting about the "steep" price very quickly. If Doncic can make a decent big man good, then a great one can become excellent. Kessler's dynamic two-way potency will be worth its weight in gold when Luka is done with him.
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