Walker Kessler, the Lakers’ marquee free agency signing, hasn’t played a single minute through the first three preseason games after jamming his finger on the backboard during training camp. But both Kessler and head coach JJ Redick sound totally chill about it, which has to be a relief for fans wondering what’s up. Redick said before Thursday’s game that it’s “not concerning” and “He’ll play in the preseason,” which is exactly what everyone wants to hear.
Kessler’s Update: ‘Finger’s Good’
Kessler himself even hopped on an on-air interview during Thursday’s game and was super optimistic. “Finger’s good. Finger’s good,” he said, talking about going through all the protocols and chatting with coaches and training staff. He’s “Feeling good.” Look, that’s what matters right now. We know he’s hurt, but he’s not freaking out, and neither is the coach. The only bummer? He couldn’t give a definitive timeline. “I’m not sure yet. I’m not sure yet,” he admitted. “We’re still talking and I don’t want to say anything that gets me in trouble. So, we’re still talking.” Fair enough, you don’t want to rush these things.
Mamukelashvili Stepping Up While Kessler Heals
With Kessler sidelined, the Lakers have started veteran Kevon Looney at center in two games, and Sandro Mamukelashvili got the nod on Tuesday against the Warriors. This probably means both guys are set for some big roles this season. And let’s talk about Mamukelashvili for a second, because he’s been filling up the box score in preseason, averaging 14 points, 3.7 assists (with 2.0 turnovers), 2.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks in 19.3 minutes a night. The dude is shooting 57.1 percent from both the floor (16-of-28) and from beyond the arc (8-of-14). He even balled out in that 114-110 victory over the Kings on Friday, dropping 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting, four assists, three rebounds, one steal, and one block. It’ll be interesting to see how they use Mamukelashvili when Kessler is back, whether he’s playing more at the 4 or as a small-ball 5.
The Lakers have two preseason games left before the regular-season opener against the Golden State Warriors on October 21. They’re hitting Las Vegas to play the Warriors on Tuesday at T-Mobile Arena, then they’ll host the Denver Nuggets on October 16 to wrap up preseason. After a brutal first week with three games in four days, this break should give Kessler plenty of time to get back out there for at least one of those final two games, just like Redick expects. Let’s hope we see him on the court soon, getting those reps in before things get real.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Silver Screen and Roll.
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