Walker Kessler needed only two games to completely change the Los Angeles Lakers’ frontcourt, making an immediate impact on a squad now boasting a perfect 2-0 record. But while L.A. is rolling into their first road game against the Utah Jazz on Sunday, there’s a serious problem festering beneath the surface that could derail this hot start: turnovers.
Kessler’s Explosive Return to Utah
Let’s talk about Walker Kessler, because his early season performance has been nothing short of electric. The big man is coming back to face the franchise where he started his career, and he’s doing it averaging a ridiculous 24 points, 8.5 rebounds, and four blocks through two games! His shooting percentage? A jaw-dropping 84.6%. That’s not just good, that’s immediate, dependable production that has made him a go-to target for Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
Kessler is pumped for this matchup, too. He said he’s “so excited to compete against those guys. Coach Hardy does a great job with that franchise.” He expects “a very competitive game.” This isn’t just another road trip, it’s personal. The Jazz know Kessler’s game inside and out, and vice versa. L.A. is gonna need that same defensive presence Kessler showed against the Clippers, where his activity helped turn a tied game into a double-digit lead. We’re talking about a guy who could totally dominate this reunion.
The Turnover Nightmare Haunting L.A.
Alright, now for the elephant in the room: turnovers. Against the Clippers, the Lakers coughed up the ball a shocking 21 times. Think about that: 21 avoidable mistakes in one game. Even scoring 125 points couldn’t hide the execution issues, and Coach Redick is not happy. He flat-out said, “So, we know the turnovers is a problem. We’ll continue to work at it, continue to get better at it.”
What’s even more frustrating is that Redick’s concern is specific. The Lakers struggled against pressure they *knew* was coming. They prepared for it, they watched film, they practiced, and still couldn’t handle the traps. Redick stressed, “We gotta be better in those situations where we know a team’s gonna trap when we have a double-digit lead.” When they face Utah, every possession will be a test. Can they recognize the pressure? Can they find an outlet and make a timely decision *before* the defense recovers? Giving opponents fewer chances to claw back into games by cutting these mistakes is absolutely critical, especially if they want to protect those early leads.
Can L.A. Keep Feasting in the Paint?
Despite the turnover issues, L.A. has been absolutely crushing it in the paint. They scored 66 points inside against Golden State and 58 against the Clippers, averaging a massive 62 paint points through two games. Kessler’s presence is a huge part of this. His screens and rolls create chaos, forcing defenders to account for both the ballhandler and a potential lob. It gives Dončić and Reaves a legit finishing target every time.
The big question now is if they can sustain that production in their first road test. Utah’s defense will adjust, for sure. If the Jazz commit extra attention to Kessler near the rim, L.A. *must* recognize those openings elsewhere. If defenders stick with the guards, then Kessler needs to keep finishing strong inside. The goal is to keep creating those quality opportunities, no matter what adjustments the Jazz throw at them, and carry this encouraging early strength into a tough road environment.
The Lakers hit the road for the first time Sunday against the Jazz. Will Kessler continue his dominant run against his former team, or will the turnover problem finally catch up to L.A. and spoil their perfect start? This one isn’t just a game, it’s a test of whether this team’s early success is sustainable.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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