There is nothing like having reliable support. That is true no matter what walk of life we are talking about. For the Los Angeles Lakers, specifically for the perimeter defenders, that shows up in the form of their newly-acquired center, Walker Kessler.
Lakers players reported for Media Day on Sep. 28 and it was hard to overlook how many of them highlighted Kessler's rim protection as something they were grateful to have heading into the start of the upcoming 2026-27 campaign. Clearly, the offseason runs have already left an impression.
Quentin Grimes said: "It makes my job easier, and I can probably take more risks, just be more physical. ... He's one of the best rim protectors in the league. So, if you beat me, you got to see Walker at the rim."
Grimes was not the only perimeter defender who sang the praises of his shot-blocking center. There were guys who chimed in all day on what Kessler can do to help them on the back end.
Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, and Jake LaRavia all hyped up Walker Kessler
To go with Grimes' kind words, known defensive disruptor Matisse Thybulle was another guy who was ready to share just how much impact he thought Kessler could have for the Lakers. The veteran wing even spoke on behalf of several players in that locker room.
"I'm really excited to play with Walker on the defensive end. ... A lot of other guys will speak to that as well — Ziaire [Williams], Collin [Sexton], Quentin all feel the same way."
You can count Jake LaRavia among that bunch too. The returning Lakers forward got up on the podium and added to all the big-time hype that Kessler had gotten during the day.
"I'm a gambling man. ... Being able to play passing lanes and not have to worry about getting beat so much because we got Walker as the back line defense, it's going to make us wings and guards feel a lot more comfortable [and] a little bit more aggressive defensively."
Walker Kessler's defensive presence is not going overlooked by the Lakers
Kessler never captained an elite defensive unit for the Utah Jazz to start his NBA career. That says more about the Jazz than it does him. The tanking priorities in Utah prevented Walker from becoming a true household name on defense.
That should not be the case in Los Angeles.
The Lakers have a ton of desire to win and be competitive in 2026-27. That will demand a lot of Kessler as the defensive anchor, but it will also give him the opportunity to shine immensely. His teammates in Los Angeles are all geared up for him to deliver on that potential.
Kessler has averaged 2.4 blocks throughout his NBA career. That is not quite Victor Wembanyama levels of rim protection, but it does qualify him for that tier right below on his best day. It is not like Walker is selling out for these block numbers either. The young Lakers center is earning them by protecting the paint with honesty. They are ethical swats, if you will.
Should all the Lakers be right about Kessler, it could go a long way toward having the team exceed expectations on that end. Everyone knows Los Angeles will be an elite team on offense. Getting a strong defensive unit invites some serious excitement about the type of group they can prove to be.
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