The Los Angeles Lakers went all-in on Walker Kessler this offseason, sending out a haul of draft picks and handing him a big new contract, even with “lots of questions” still swirling around the guy. This isn’t just another signing, man. No player on that entire roster has more pressure on them to perform this season than Kessler, period. They paid a premium for him, and it’s a bet on what he *could* become, both alongside Luka Dončić and in a much bigger role. The Lakers literally cannot afford to be wrong about this one.
The Big Bet in L.A.
Seriously, the Lakers needed a “big man of the future” more than almost anything. They tried all these “make-do options” and “patchwork solutions” at center, and by the end of last season, they were left wanting a lot more. You just can’t roll into a season with Luka on the roster and not have a dominant big, right? So, after some serious deliberation, or maybe some bluffing, they pulled the trigger on Kessler. He’s squarely in the spotlight now, the figurative and literal center of the Lakers’ future. That haul of draft picks sent out and his “big new contract” mean all eyes are on him. This isn’t some quiet addition; this is THE move.
Kessler’s Moment: Anchor or Bust?
So what’s the dream scenario? Imagine Kessler absolutely blossoming, given the freedom and direction he needs, fully empowered by the franchise. He’s not gonna be some high-flying lob-catcher, we know that. But his crushing screens and his ability to finish strong around the rim? That’s more than enough to make him a serious offensive force. But here’s the kicker, the *biggest* value for the Lakers: his defense. This team has desperately needed an anchor, especially in the post-Anthony Davis era, where they’ve cycled through big after big, none of whom could truly protect the rim.
Kessler steps in, and suddenly, head coach JJ Redick has a solution on that end. That gives the Lakers a defensive margin for error they just haven’t had for like, the last two seasons! No more constant “switch-heavy or zone defenses.” The guy can defend the interior, and almost equally important, he helps finish possessions with rebounds. Those two things, defense and rebounding, are areas the Lakers seriously struggled in last season, and they’re two aspects of Kessler’s game that few people question. If it all clicks, Kessler doesn’t just establish himself as the center of the future; he solidifies the Lakers as a true contender on the rise. If he doesn’t meet the moment with these bigger expectations? Well, his inability to be an above-the-rim finisher could spell trouble offensively.
This season is everything for Walker Kessler and for the Lakers. They pushed all their chips in, and now we wait to see if this bet truly pays off.
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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