The Los Angeles Lakers finalized the acquisition of Walker Kessler on Wednesday, marking the arrival of a new big man in Los Angeles. Having addressed Luka Doncic’s demand for an A-list center, the Lakers have taken the necessary steps toward becoming a more competitive team.
Walker Kessler‘s addition is significant from the perspective of the team’s roster needs. However, it is equally noteworthy when acknowledging the legacy of big men in Los Angeles. Rob Pelinka elaborated on this in the official press release about Kessler’s signing, stating:
“At the core of every great Lakers team is a dominant big man. At just 24 years old, Walker Kessler has established himself as one of the elite two-way centers in the game. When the opportunity presented itself to pair a rim-protecting, lob-catching big with our two premier pick-and-roll guards, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, we seized it.”
“Walker will embody the core pillars we value in our players: high character, high basketball IQ, and elite competitiveness as we enter the next era of Lakers basketball. It’s an incredibly proud moment to add someone with Walker’s unique skill set and makeup to our program.”
Historically, the Purple and Gold have always flourished when served by a talented center. From the likes of George Mikan back in the days of the Minneapolis Lakers, Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the ’70s and ’80s, Shaquille O’Neal in the three-peat era, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum in the late-2000s, to Anthony Davis more recently, the Lakers have always won titles with a star-caliber center.
But can Walker Kessler live up to expectations?
Walker Kessler Shares Heartfelt Goodbye Message To Utah
While fans in L.A. will celebrate Walker Kessler’s arrival, some disappointed fans in Utah will also mourn his departure.
Although he spent only four seasons with the Jazz, Kessler positioned himself as a promising young talent. Now, in light of his move to Los Angeles, Kessler shared a heartfelt message to the Jazz and its fan base on social media. He wrote:
“Dear Utah, Four years ago, I showed up as a young kid with a lot to prove and even more to learn. I’m leaving a better player and a better man, and I owe a lot of that to this place and the people in it.”
“To the Jazz organization, thank you for taking a chance on me and believing in me from day one. You gave a kid the platform to chase everything he ever dreamed of, and for that, I’m forever grateful.”
“To my teammates, you’re my brothers, plain and simple. The early mornings, the film sessions, the bus rides, the wins and the losses, all the moments nobody else got to see. I grew up next to you, and I wouldn’t trade a second of it.”
“Coach Hardy and the entire coaching and performance staff, thank you for challenging me, trusting me, and never letting me settle. You believed in me even through the hard stretches, and I’m better because of it.”
“And to Jazz fans and the whole state of Utah, I honestly don’t have the words. You welcomed me with open arms and made me feel like one of your own. You stuck by me through the highs and the lows and never stopped showing up. I felt your love every single night, and I hope you felt how much I gave back.”
“This chapter changed my life. Thank you for everything, Utah. You’ll always be a part of my story. Forever grateful, The Sheriff.”
As Walker Kessler prepares to begin a new chapter in his career, he is bound to encounter new challenges. In this regard, shouldering the legacy of the great Lakers centers will be among the first obstacles along the way.
On paper, Kessler possesses all the tools to be successful. At 7’2″ and 245 lbs, Kessler is a strong and intimidating presence in the paint. Along with notable physical attributes, Kessler also has impressive athletic ability, keen defensive instincts, and a high basketball IQ.
All of these traits will come in handy when playing in JJ Redick’s system, and, more importantly, when partnered with a crafty floor general like Luka Doncic.
Offensively, Kessler may not be as dominant as the other legendary centers in Lakers history, but he certainly isn’t a liability either. With averages of 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game last season, there is enough evidence to suggest that he could be a key contributor on both ends of the floor.
Walker Kessler will play a key role as a pick-and-roll partner for Luka Doncic on offense, but his primary duty will be to serve as the team’s defensive anchor. Having averaged 1.4 steals and 1.8 blocks per game last year, the 24-year-old is more than capable of being a reliable rim protector for the Lakers.
As crucial as Walker Kessler’s performances will be to the Lakers’ success, the team may need to ease him into action early in the season. Having undergone season-ending shoulder surgery last year, the big man will need some time to find his footing.
In this regard, he is likely to begin by playing limited minutes. While this could put more pressure on players like Sandro Mamukelashvili and Kevon Looney early in the campaign, fans will undoubtedly look forward to seeing their new frontcourt rotation in action.
