The Los Angeles Lakers paid a massive price to sign-and-trade for Walker Kessler this summer, and head coach JJ Redick is the key to the 7’2 big man living up to his new four-year, $129.4 million contract. They need him to be a fringe All-Star. That is only possible if Kessler gets more involved offensively and dominates defensively. The Lakers need the big man protecting the rim, improving his jumper, rebounding everything, and finishing at the rim. It is on Redick to put him in those spots.
Kessler only played five games last season because of a shoulder injury that required surgery. In the brief sample, he nailed six of his eight 3-point attempts. The 7’2 big man clearly wants to expand his range and is now being coached by one of the best 3-point shooters in NBA history. Adding a consistent ability to pop to his screen and dive game would be lethal and is just one of the many ways coach Redick could impact his development.
Luka wanted a center and is known for maximizing his big men. Kessler hasn’t played with a point guard like Doncic, but the Lakers’ schemes matter. They need the 7’2 big man protecting the rim and being an elite rebounder. That only happens if Redick puts him in those positions.
JJ Redick must put Walker Kessler in the right spots with Lakers
Kessler’s early career compares favorably to Rudy Gobert’s. Both are elite rim protectors and rebounders, and Kessler has a higher offensive ceiling. Just like the Jazz and Timberwolves had to do, the Lakers must build their defensive scheme around the big man.
Redick should play more drop coverage and lean into zones. He doesn’t want Kessler switching onto the perimeter and getting drawn away from the rim. Los Angeles fans have seen Redick make his defense be more than the sum of its parts. The Lakers have perimeter defensive issues, which makes Kessler even more important.
Luka is arguably the best offensive creator in the world. He will find open teammates, and fans will quickly fall in love with Kessler’s screening ability. Doncic wanted the big man. They will be working to become one of the best pick-and-roll duos in the NBA. Kessler certainly has the potential to get there.
The big man will get the Lakers second-chance opportunities even if he is not shooting the lights out or finishing everything at the rim. He averaged 4.6 offensive boards per game in 2025 to lead the NBA. Expect monster numbers in LA to give them extra possessions.
Redick has to mold the 25-year-old big man and help him reach his immense ceiling. Jazz fans saw Kessler start developing his jumper, blossom into one of the NBA’s offensive rebounders, and grow his game on both ends of the floor in his first four years. There is more room to improve, and now Redick is leading those developments.
Kessler turning into a player who averages 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks every night will put him in the All-Star conversation. He is the tenth highest-paid center in the NBA and would exceed that value if he becomes an elite two-way force that helps the Lakers contend.
It is on the head coach and his staff to put him in position to reach those marks. Kessler has the talent. He is just missing the opportunity.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick holds the keys to Walker Kessler living up to his new $129.4 million contract with the purple and gold. They got him to maximize Luka Doncic and bet on his upside. The Lakers believe a leap is coming, but it will only happen if Redick puts him in positions to succeed.
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