Walker Kessler Makes History in Lakers' Dominant Win Over Warriors

Walker Kessler couldn't have asked for a much better start to his Los Angeles Lakers career.

The 7-foot-2 center delivered a historic performance in his regular-season debut Wednesday night, helping the Lakers cruise past Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors in their season opener.

Kessler finished with 26 points, nine rebounds and two blocks in 30 minutes, making all 12 of his field goal attempts.

That performance made Kessler the first Lakers player since Wilt Chamberlain in 1969 to attempt at least 12 shots without missing a single field goal.

The impressive debut also included 10 dunks, a remarkable achievement that put Kessler in rare company.

Shaquille O'Neal is the only player in NBA history to record more dunks in a single game.

Kessler's 26 points also was the most ever scored in a season opener by a player who did not miss a field goal.

The historic debut comes at an important time for a Lakers franchise entering a new era following LeBron James' departure during the offseason.

Los Angeles acquired Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a major offseason trade, hoping the young center could provide the rebounding, rim protection and interior scoring the team had been missing.

The Lakers surrendered two first-round draft picks and two pick swaps to acquire Kessler before signing him to a four-year, $130 million contract.

The investment also came with questions about his health after a shoulder injury limited him to just five games last season.

However, Kessler showed little sign of rust against Golden State.

His ability to finish around the basket provided an immediate boost to an offense built around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

The performance also offered an early glimpse of the chemistry Los Angeles hopes to develop between Doncic and its new starting center.

While Kessler's offensive efficiency stole the headlines, his presence in the paint could prove equally valuable as the Lakers attempt to establish a stronger defensive identity.

One game won't determine whether Los Angeles made the right investment, but Kessler's debut offered an encouraging answer to some of the questions surrounding his arrival.

After joining a franchise known for legendary big men such as Chamberlain, O'Neal and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kessler wasted no time putting his own name alongside Lakers history.