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Walker Kessler is eager to make his preseason debut for the Lakers.
Whether that comes on Tuesday night against the Warriors remains to be seen.
Kessler progressed to participating during the live action portion of Sunday’s practice after doing everything else but live drills during Saturday’s session.
The 7-foot-2 big man sat out of the Lakers’ first three preseason games, and didn’t fully participate in the first couple of weeks of practice, after jamming his left pinky finger on a backboard during a training camp session.
The Lakers’ marquee free agent acquisition, who signed a four-year, $130 million contract as part of the sign-and-trade deal with the Jazz that brought him to Los Angeles in July, was seen wearing a wrap around his left pinky during the portion of Sunday’s post-practice session that was open to viewing for reporters.
“Just jammed it a little bit,” Kessler said. “Just taking precautionary stuff, especially since it’s preseason. But it feels good. Fully went [on Sunday] in practice, felt great. It was good.”
Coach JJ Redick and Kessler didn’t commit to an availability status for Tuesday.
The Lakers’ last preseason game is Friday vs. the Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena.
“A lot can happen in 48 hours,” Redick said. “We’ll be smart with it. See how he feels [on Monday]. But not willing to commit to him playing Tuesday or not. He’ll get some live play at some point this week.”
Kessler said he wants to play “really bad” and is ready to play, but is trusting the Lakers with his return-to-play process.
“It would be a little different if I played last season,” said Kessler, referring to only playing five regular-season games in 2025-26 before having season-ending left shoulder surgery.
He added: “But because I didn’t play last season, I’m like, ‘Ah, I want to play really bad.’ I’m ready to play, but I trust the staff and I trust the trainers, the coaches, and front office, you know? So yeah, just listening to them right now.”