Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler was dominant through the first two games of the 2026-27 season, scoring a combined 48 points on 22-of-26 shooting. Unfortunately, during his third game with the team, he was effectively an offensive non-factor with two points on two field goal attempts in 28 minutes.
Though Kessler's third game does nothing to cancel out the promise of his first two, it was the type of performance that Utah Jazz fans likely recognized from when he still played for them.
It must be noted that Kessler isn’t the kind of player whose impact can be measured by simply seeing how many points he scored. Furthermore, Luka Doncic and true No. 2 Austin Reaves combined for 81 points and the Lakers scored 132 as a team in a win over the Jazz. As such, things clearly went well on offense overall.
The fact that a red-hot Kessler attempted two shots in 28 minutes just isn’t something to gloss over as an irrelevant development.
Perhaps it was the best choice, but it also highlights a question mark from his Utah days. Kessler is exceptionally talented but his tendency to disappear on offense can be problematic—especially if the trend surfaces in a postseason setting.
Credit is due to Kessler for prioritizing winning over statistics, but there needs to be a healthier middle ground between his first two games and his third.
Walker Kessler attempted two field goals in 28 minutes vs. Jazz
During Kessler's most recent healthy season, 2024-25, he attempted five or fewer shots in 17 of his 58 appearances—and he played at least 25 minutes in all but two of those outings. He attempted six field goals or less in 26 of his 58 outings.
That near 50 percent rate of passive tendencies as a scorer displays how Kessler has a tendency to disappear on offense despite his ability to score.
Kessler admitted that emotions got the best of him during his first game in Utah since he left the franchise to sign with the Lakers. That could be the only explanation necessary for why he had such a quiet night. When factoring in his history, however, Los Angeles will need to help him establish a more dependable baseline.
That's particularly true when one considers that the road to an NBA Finals berth could go through some of the best offensive big men in the NBA.
Lakers will need Walker Kessler to be more consistent in the playoffs
Kessler's defense is the primary reason the Lakers brought him in and agreed to pay him $130 million over four seasons. Whether it's in the post, against the pick and roll, out in space, or in the paint, Kessler will be tasked with anchoring the interior and containing the likes of Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama.
Clearly, Kessler holding his own against the stars on defense would go a long way toward helping the Lakers win. They'll face an uphill battle, however, if he can't produce on offense, as well.
Kessler and Doncic have already proven to have compelling chemistry in the pick-and-roll. The big man has also found success off of cuts, lobs, and offensive rebounds. There's even the chance that Kessler's intriguing flashes of a jump shot and a post game will yield more consistent results.
As a subpar free throw shooter with passive tendencies as a scorer, however, Kessler can't allow his postseason offensive identity to be defined by hack-a-Shaq and inconsistency.
It's too soon for doom and gloom, particularly after a riveting comeback win. What's right on schedule, however, is a difficult conversation about the fact that Kessler's inconsistent assertiveness as a scorer is an issue that dates back to his time with the Jazz.
As the 2026-27 regular season continues and every game offers a new lesson to be learned, Kessler figuring out how to remain engaged and assertive on offense will thus be a key story to watch unfold.
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