The Los Angeles Lakers have no regrets about the Walker Kessler trade after two games. They wanted a rim protector and lob threat to pair with Luka Doncic, and the superstar had been asking for that player. Kessler is already proving to be the ideal option. It was his offensive game that drew the praise in the season opener, and his defense deserved the love against the Clippers.
Kessler had eight rebounds, three steals, and six blocks as the Lakers outscored the crosstown rival by 18 points in his 35 minutes on the floor. The Lakers gave up two first-round draft picks and two swaps because of his rim protection (subscription required), but he did something only Lakers champions have done since 2010. Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, JaVale McGee, Anthony Davis, and now Kessler are the only Lakers to block six or more shots in a game. AD did it ten times, and all four others won a ring with the purple and gold.
Luka asked for a rim protector and lob threat since the moment he arrived in Los Angeles. He led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals with two big men fully bought into this role. It is why the Lakers gave up so much for Kessler. So far, it looks like a wise move.
Walker Kessler is the defensive anchor the Lakers need
The Lakers' center situation has been in question since the 2020 title. Anthony Davis never wanted to play the five, despite it being his best position. It created some friction and had LeBron James and AD want the front office to acquire a big man. Davis is an elite rim protector, but he was rarely fully bought into that role.
Kessler embraced it before he was even on the roster. He is one of only three players to average 10 points, 10 rebounds, and multiple blocks per game over the last two years. Kessler has been anchoring the Jazz’s defense, but Utah’s struggles have let it go largely unnoticed. He is an elite rim protector, and fans saw it in the first game facing a team that consistently drove the ball.
The Lakers want to contend for a championship after their summer retool around Luka. Number 77 is in his prime and eager to win a title. Los Angeles knew they needed a center, so they got the best available option. Kessler has been worth every penny so far, and Luka has to love it.
Luka Doncic has never played with a rim protector like Walker Kessler
Doncic started his NBA career with DeAndre Jordan and Dwight Powell as his centers. They traded for Kristaps Porzingis during his rookie year, but KP was a stretch big man. It wasn’t until Dallas drafted Dereck Lively II that they realized Doncic was at his best with a rim-rolling big man. It is why the Mavs gave up a first-round pick to get Daniel Gafford at the deadline.
Kessler is a better rim protector than Porzingis, Lively, and Gafford. He doesn’t get the recognition because of the Jazz’s struggles, but Lakers fans haven’t seen that type of rim-protecting masterclass since a fully locked-in AD.
Through two games, the Lakers have a 102.3 defensive rating with Kessler on the floor. That would be the best mark in the NBA if they can replicate it over the full season. The Lakers won’t. The competition will get more difficult, but this group has the potential to be special with Kessler as the defensive anchor.
Lakers need a backup big man behind Walker Kessler
Deandre Ayton being the purple and gold’s go-to center feels like a bad dream. Kessler is running to the rim every time, hustling, and protecting the rim. He wants to win after four years of missing the playoffs in Utah. They are elite on both ends with Kessler on the floor, but things implode when he goes to the bench.
Lakers have a negative-12.3 net rating without Kessler, and their defensive rating balloons to 121.1 over 31 minutes. Kevon Looney is clearly not a rotation piece on a contender at this stage of his career. He is too slow and simply doesn’t fit how the Lakers want to play. Loon was benched after five minutes against the Clippers. That meant Sandro Mamukelashvili played the five. Looney and Mamu were a combined minus-17 in 29 minutes.
Kessler has been exactly what Luka dreamed of, and the Lakers need to follow the Mavericks’ blueprint one more time. Kessler is Lively, so Los Angeles must find their version of Gafford.
Having 48 minutes of center play that fits Doncic’s style is the easiest way for the purple and gold to become serious title contenders. They need to make that move, even with Kessler being an immediate ideal fit.
The Los Angeles Lakers gave Luka Doncic exactly what he wanted and are reaping the rewards. Walker Kessler is an elite rim protector. The 7’2 big man has already scored 48 points in two games, but more importantly, he is shutting down easy buckets in the paint. That gives the Lakers a shot at winning it all.
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