The Los Angeles Lakers already have fans excited about their new-look roster, but they need Walker Kessler on the floor to know exactly what they have. Luka Doncic looks healthy and ready to chase MVP honors. Austin Reaves will push to be a first-time All-Star. Several newcomers look like strong additions, but the Lakers have struggled to protect the rim and rebound in the first three preseason games. That will change when Kessler returns.
The Kings outrebounded the purple and gold by seven boards in both games. Golden State had a nine-rebound advantage, despite starting small with Draymond Green at the five and being without Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford. The Lakers have given up extra possessions and easy buckets inside too often, despite winning two of the three contests.
Kessler can fix those flaws. He is one of the NBA’s best rim protectors and rebounders. Luka heaped praise on the big man during media day, and everyone is excited to see what he can do in LA. Kessler missed the first three preseason games with a finger injury, but isn’t expected to be sidelined long. When he returns, the Lakers will finally see what this roster can do.
The Lakers just need a rim protector on defense
Head coach JJ Redick started Kevon Looney at center in two of the three preseason games. He opted for Sandro Mamukelashvili against the Warriors as Golden State went small. Loon’s lack of lateral quickness and mobility has been a problem. He has struggled mightily on defense and has not protected the rim. Mamu is the clear option as the backup five behind Kessler, but his paint presence is questionable at best.
For his career, Kessler has blocked 2.4 shots per game. In 2025, the opposition shot 49.0 percent within six feet against the 7’2 big man, and the difference between his defensive field goal percentage and the expected was minus-14.9. That was the fifth-best mark in the NBA among players with at least 50 games played.
It is only preseason, but the Lakers have 33 steals in three games with ten or more in every contest. The Pistons led the NBA last season with 10.4 per game. Los Angeles forced 74 turnovers over three games. Coach Redick has amped up the defensive aggressiveness, which has worked. Having an elite rim protector behind that has gives the Lakers all the makings of a top-ten defense.
Walker Kessler will get the Lakers extra possessions
Kessler is an elite rebounder, especially on the offensive glass. He led the NBA with 4.6 offensive boards per game in 2025. Mitchell Robinson’s offensive rebounding played a key role in the Knicks’ title run. Those extra possessions can be massive in a game.
Kessler grabbed 12.2 boards per game in 2025. He would have flipped the rebounding battle in each of the three preseason contests. It is hard to box out a 7’2 big man with Kessler’s frame.
The Lakers were 29th in offensive rebounding and 27th in total rebounds last season. All of the top eight teams in rebounding qualified for the Play-In Tournament, and the two NBA finalists finished in the top-seven. Getting those extra possessions is important, and the Lakers finally have the big man to grab them.
Walker Kessler gives Luka Doncic his missing lob target
Luka has wanted a rim-protecting lob threat since arriving in Los Angeles. That led to the failed Mark Williams trade, and the Lakers paying a hefty price to land Kessler. He cost LA two first-round draft picks plus two swaps, but they were happy to finally get the center Doncic wanted.
Looney’s lack of mobility has put the one-five pick-and-roll lobs off limits. The Lakers have executed a few with Adou Thiero, but they will be regularly finding Kessler in the half-court. The 7’2 big man will be dunking everything in LA.
Doncic is arguably the best pick-and-roll creator in the world. Kessler has never played with an All-Star point guard. The duo should enhance each other and make Los Angeles’ high-powered offense even more dangerous.
Walker Kessler is the Lakers' missing piece
The Lakers are showing flashes of their potential without their third-best player suiting up. The new-look group is more athletic and already creating more havoc defensively. Adding a 77.7 percent career finisher inside three feet, who locks down the paint, takes it to another level.
Kessler is a massive upgrade over Deandre Ayton. LeBron James and Anthony Davis spent years asking for a starting center. The Lakers finally made the move for Luka. Kessler is the missing piece, and fans won’t truly know what this roster is capable of until he is on the floor.
The Los Angeles Lakers built their roster around Luka Doncic, but Walker Kessler was the linchpin addition. They need exactly what the big man offers. The two biggest preseason warts will quickly be fixed by Kessler.
It is early, but coach Redick is already making this squad more than the sum of its parts. They could be special once Kessler returns from injury. The anticipation continues to build, but it shouldn’t be long before everyone finds out exactly why the big man is a perfect fit.
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