The Los Angeles Lakers are on an absolute tear, hitting an 11-2 record and riding a blistering seven-game winning streak, and it’s Walker Kessler who is quietly anchoring their defense. When the Lakers first made the trade for him, we all could see the vision: a top-tier shot-blocker and rebounder teaming up with their dynamic scoring duo. Guess what? He’s been exactly as advertised, leading the squad in blocks, rebounds, and double-doubles. But here’s the kicker: his true impact goes way beyond those traditional box score numbers.
The Stats That Whisper, Not Shout
Yeah, the Lakers are sitting at 18th in overall defense right now. That sounds rough, right? But dive a little deeper and you see Kessler’s magic. When he’s on the court with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, that lineup isn’t just good, it’s *elite*. They boast a ridiculous +26.6 net rating and a 104.2 defensive rating. If that defensive rating was a team-wide stat, it would rank second overall in the entire league! This guy has started and played every single game for this red-hot Lakers team for a reason. His main gig is simple: guard that basket like his life depends on it, and he does it with ferocity. He’s the undisputed anchor for their defense, giving those perimeter guys the green light to play way more aggressively knowing he’s got their back.
Making Shots Disappear Without The Block
Kessler’s reputation as a rim protector popped off the screen instantly. Seriously, even when he doesn’t slap a shot into the third row, his presence in the paint changes everything. He alters shots in the restricted area, or sometimes, he just outright prevents them from even happening! You see Milwaukee’s athletic big man Kel’el Ware trying to go at him head-on from the top of the key. He drives right into Kessler’s massive 7’2″ frame, throws a pump fake, thinks he sees daylight, but still leaves the shot short. Why? Pure fear of Kessler’s shot-blocking ability. That’s mental warfare, baby! Verticality and contesting shots clean without fouling are non-negotiables for any modern defensive center, and Kessler brings both with incredible timing and instincts around the rim. Remember that play where Matisse Thybulle was a beat late recovering on a switch, leaving his man an open driving lane? Kessler jumped with two hands and put the offensive player in an impossible spot. No shot, no pass window, just a desperate throw to the corner that got picked off. That’s impact you can’t always write down in a box score. Head coach JJ Redick said it himself: “They do show up in the stats. It’s not box score stats… Going into yesterday’s game, Walker was second in the league, and only a point behind Wemby [in rim points saved]. Talking about one of the best rim protectors in the NBA. That doesn’t always show up in blocked shots and steals. He’s doing a fantastic job for us.”
This Lakers squad is on a mission, sitting at 11-2 with seven straight Ws, and Kessler is absolutely foundational to that success. If he keeps shutting down the paint like this, forcing teams to change their entire game plan just because he’s looming, this team is going to be a nightmare for anyone in the league. You gotta keep an eye on what this Laker team does next; they’re rolling!
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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