The Los Angeles Lakers gave up two first-round draft picks and two first-round swaps to land Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade. It was a massive overpay, but everyone will forget about the price if Kessler keeps following Rudy Gobert’s path. The big men were traded for each other, and both started their NBA careers with the Utah Jazz. The similarities don’t stop there.
After four years, Gobert averaged 9.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 2.2 blocks in 27.0 minutes per game. Kessler’s career numbers are better in every category, except his rebounds and minutes. The new Lakers big man averaged just 9.3 rebounds and 25.3 minutes per game in his first four years. Kessler doesn’t have the accolades because he hasn’t played more than 65 games since his rookie year, but the Lakers may have just traded for an elite big man.
Both players were drafted in the 20s and were 21 years old as rookies. Kessler has a higher offensive ceiling than Gobert. He made six of his eight 3-pointers last season before a shoulder injury limited him to just five games. The floor spacing potential and playing with Luka Doncic could make the 7’2 big man a multiple-time All-Star.
Lakers need Walker Kessler to keep following Rudy Gobert’s path
Gobert has never averaged 16 points per game, but he is a four-time Defensive Player of the Year and three-time All-Star. The 34-year-old was first-team All-Defensive last season. He helped the Timberwolves win five playoff series in the last three years and is one of the best defensive big men of all time.
Kessler may never reach those defensive heights, but he has a higher offensive ceiling. If the 24-year-old averages 18 points, 12 boards, and 2.5 blocks per game, he will get plenty of All-Star buzz.
The Lakers need him to be an elite rim-protector, rebounder, and screen setter. Those are staples of Gobert’s game. Fans know the screen assist discourse well. Gobert averages double-digit rebounds per game for his career and remains an elite rim protector. Continuing to follow Gobert’s path makes Kessler the perfect big man next to Luka Doncic. Lakers fans will quickly forget the price and lean into the excitement of having one of the best centers in the NBA.
Fans haven’t seen Kessler be fully unleashed yet. The Jazz were retooling in his first four years and haven’t been trying to win. Los Angeles is committed to growing his jumper, improving his screening, and maximizing his skill set on both ends of the floor.
Kessler won’t be the best defensive big man of his generation. Victor Wembanyama exists and is arguably one of the best defensive centers of all-time already. Kessler has to buy in to doing the little things like Gobert. He is already committed to doing it, and turning into Gobert with a jumper will make everyone forget what Los Angeles paid.
The Los Angeles Lakers paid handsomely to acquire Walker Kessler, but fans will forget if he keeps following Rudy Gobert’s path. The purple and gold need the 7’2 big man to set screens, rebound, and protect the rim. If he does that, he could shine next to Luka. The best is yet to come, and fans won’t be disappointed about the price for long.
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