Walker Kessler is confident in the Los Angeles Lakers. More specifically, he’s confident in their ability to take a major leap on the defensive end next season. And he’s right to be confident. Because in today’s NBA, one of the most important pieces of an elite defense is a great big man acting as the anchor (at least, that’s one style). That’s exactly what LA has.
Kessler should be one of the best defensive big men in the league next season. He’ll have a lot of pressure on him – Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will get blown by a decent amount – but that’s okay. With Kessler behind them, the Lakers’ defense should take a big jump. LA may not have the best defense in the league, but Kessler's confidence is exactly what you want from your center.
There is no question that the Lakers should improve on defense next season. And with Kessler holding down the fort in the paint, there’s a real chance they could be one of the better defenses in the league.
Lakers defense should actually be good next year
Take a look at Rudy Gobert. When he was with the Utah Jazz, they had some pretty rough perimeter defenders. But with him on the back line, the Jazz were always one of the best defensive teams in the NBA.
Donovan Mitchell isn’t an amazing defender. Jordan Clarkson was on some of those teams. Bojan Bogdanovic. Guys like Georges Niang and Royce O’Neale were solid, but they weren’t world-beaters.
Yet the Jazz always rose to the top because of how elite Gobert is. Having a backline defender is essential in today’s NBA, and the Lakers now have that in Kessler.
Now, don’t get me wrong, Kessler is nowhere near the level Gobert is as a defender. He never will be. Gobert is a four-time Defensive Player of the Year winner. A perennial All-Defense player.
Kessler isn’t that. But he does have all the potential in the world to be an elite defensive center. One of the best rim protectors in the league. That is certainly in the cards.
And LA has some solid defenders. Quentin Grimes can guard. Matisse Thybulle is great on that side of the ball. Jake LaRavia can hold things down.
So, Kessler is right to be confident. He’s right to believe in the Lakers’ defense heading into next season. Because he’s there to make sure things run smoothly. He’s going to be the head of the snake on the defensive end.
With a true big-man anchor backing guys up, LA is in a perfect position to take a huge leap on that end of the court.
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