The Los Angeles Lakers finally got Walker Kessler back on the floor in their fourth preseason game against the Golden State Warriors, and he instantly displayed everything Luka Doncic was looking for in a big man. Kessler missed the first three contests with a finger injury. He looked a bit rusty on Tuesday night in Las Vegas, but that didn’t stop the 7’2 big man from shining even without Luka and Collin Sexton in the lineup.
Kessler only played 16 minutes as he finished with 11 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block. The new Lakers big man made four of his six field goal attempts as Los Angeles outscored Golden State by 15 points with him on the floor. They lost the first 15 minutes without Kessler by nine.
Luka has wanted a center since the moment he arrived in LA. The superstar thrives with an elite roll man and rim protector on the backline. The Lakers haven’t had that option in the Doncic era. It is why they paid handsomely for Kessler, and he displayed everything Luka wants in his first game with the purple and gold.
Walker Kessler shined as a roll man in first game with Lakers
The Lakers weren’t quite sure what they were getting here. Kessler only played five games last season before a season-ending shoulder injury. In 2025, Kessler scored 1.04 points per possession as a roll man, which rated in just the 41st percentile in the NBA. He was in the 89th percentile in 2024 by scoring 1.42 points per possession. The Lakers bet on him being the elite version, but it was certainly a question mark.
Kessler looked fantastic catching on the roll and finishing in his first preseason game. Fans can see the first time Reaves found the new big man below.
Just the beginning for these two 💪 pic.twitter.com/EiC5OdmJ30
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 14, 2026
Kevon Looney started two of the first three preseason games, but there were issues here. Loon's speed and athleticism are a problem when trying to roll to the rim.
Fans didn’t get to see the Luka and Kessler connection in Vegas, but Reaves found him multiple times. It wasn’t for lobs either. The 7’2 big man was comfortable putting the ball on the floor and getting an easier shot at the rim.
It was only preseason, but Kessler looked like an elite roll man. Even when the Lakers were without two of their three best playmakers. The 25-year-old is exactly the big man Luka has wanted, and it is not just on the offensive end.
Walker Kessler instantly anchored the Lakers' defense
The Lakers couldn’t quite know what this new look group looked like until Kessler returned. LA pulled off the sign-and-trade to get a defensive anchor they haven’t had since Anthony Davis. AD wanted to play the four, but Kessler is happy to be the center and anchor this defense.
Fans saw Kessler protecting the rim, grabbing rebounds, and even providing some added pressure outside the paint. The 7’2 big man was more versatile and athletic than expected. There was some rust and just being unfamiliar with his new teammates, but the glimpses were there. Kessler could be an elite rim protector and defensive anchor. Lakers’ reporters were already getting hyped.
Kessler a walking top defense by himself. Give him some elite pressure guys on the perimeter and let's see some magic.
— Raj C. (@RajChipalu) October 14, 2026
This is not the ideal matchup for a big man. The Warriors started Charles Bassey, but they are without Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford. They mostly played small and tried to increase the tempo, but it didn’t matter. Kessler made a massive defensive impact. He was mostly used as the low man, but the 7’2 big man wasn’t afraid to step out on the perimeter.
The Lakers dominated with him on the floor, and there should be even more hype about his pairing with Doncic.
Walker Kessler will look even better with Luka Doncic on the floor
Luka is arguably the best pick-and-roll creator in the world. The Lakers want to run fewer of those plays, but Doncic and Reaves will get plenty. Kessler’s hands, athleticism, and handle will make him an elite roll man. Expect tons of easy buckets, including some thunderous dunks off Luka lobs.
Kessler is ready to play for a contender. He missed the playoffs in each of his first four NBA seasons with the Utah Jazz. The 25-year-old is eager to prove he can anchor the defense on a serious contender. Fans saw all the elements against the Warriors. It was only preseason, but Golden State plans on contending. They were struggling to score when Kessler was on the floor.
The Lakers finally got Luka the center he has wanted since his arrival at the 2025 trade deadline. Kessler cost them two first-round draft picks and two swaps, but none of that matters now. They have an elite roll man and rim protector. Fans saw Doncic make two conference finals and win the Western Conference with the Dallas Mavericks. His best team had strong play at the five. Kessler is the best center Doncic has ever played with.
Expect this duo to be elite. The Los Angeles Lakers finally got Luka Doncic his desired center in Walker Kessler. The first preseason game only increased the excitement. Kessler was rusty just coming off a finger injury, and still did everything Luka desires. This duo could be special and help the Lakers become serious title contenders. All the makings are there.
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