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Walker Kessler delivered an immediate return on the Lakers’ investment, scoring 26 points without missing a field goal in his first regular season appearance for Los Angeles. His performance helped secure a victory by 127 to 105 over the Golden State Warriors on October 21.
The center finished with nine rebounds, two blocks and 10 dunks. Luka Dončić led the Lakers with 28 points, while Austin Reaves added 23 in the season opener at Crypto.com Arena.
For a team reshaped around Dončić following LeBron James’ departure, the encouraging development was how readily its new center connected with its established guards. Kessler repeatedly converted their passes into finishes around the basket.
Dončić Finds an Immediate Target at the Rim
The partnership was visible from the opening possession, when Kessler finished a lob from Dončić. Five of his 12 baskets ultimately came from the Slovenian’s assists.
Dončić praised the way Kessler adjusted his positioning when he drove toward the basket or faced two defenders. Those movements gave the ball handler a passing option while keeping the center close enough to finish.
That is an important part of the intended fit. When a second defender moves toward Dončić, a center who can receive a pass and finish quickly gives the Lakers another way to turn that attention into an advantage.
Kessler’s scoring came largely from those close opportunities. His 10 dunks accounted for most of his baskets, making the performance an example of effective movement and passing as well as individual finishing.
A Significant Investment Begins to Show Its Purpose
Los Angeles acquired Kessler from Utah through a sign and trade, sending the Jazz two first round picks and two pick swaps. His new contract covers four years and is worth $130 million.
The Lakers committed those resources to a center expected to finish inside, rebound and protect the basket. Wednesday provided an early look at the offensive side of that plan, alongside a contribution on the defensive end.
The debut also marked Kessler’s first regular season appearance since October 31 of last year. A shoulder injury and subsequent surgery had ended his previous campaign early, adding another layer of uncertainty to his arrival.
Kessler acknowledged feeling nervous before the game but said afterward that he was grateful for the experience and pleased to begin with a victory. After such a long absence, completing approximately 30 minutes was meaningful alongside the scoring.
A Shooting Line With a Precise Place in Lakers History
Kessler’s 12 successful field goals without a miss rank second in Lakers history. Only Wilt Chamberlain made more in a flawless shooting performance for the franchise, finishing with 14 from 14 in March 1969.
The distinction concerns field goals, rather than every shot in the game. Kessler made two of his four free throws, completing his 26 point total.
Dončić contributed eight rebounds and seven assists, then sat out the fourth quarter. With Reaves also producing offensively, the Lakers’ three leading scorers combined for 77 points.
The Clippers Offer the Next Test
The game remained close through the opening quarter before Los Angeles established control. The Lakers led by 14 at halftime and outscored Golden State by 36 to 16 in the third quarter, taking a 102 to 68 advantage into the final period.
Stephen Curry scored 23 points for the Warriors, who were missing several established players, including Jimmy Butler, Kristaps Porzingis, Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski. Those absences provide context when assessing the size of the victory.
The Lakers next host the Los Angeles Clippers on October 23. That matchup gives Kessler and Dončić another opportunity to develop their timing against a different defense, with the new center’s ability to sustain his impact now more relevant than repeating an exceptional shooting percentage.
