News Article
Published
Oct 22, 2026 at 11:31 AM EDT
The Hall of Fame center called Walker Kessler the NBA’s top big man on “Inside the NBA” after the Los Angeles Lakers routed the Golden State Warriors 127-105 in the season opener at Crypto.com Arena on Oct. 21. Kessler, 25, scored 26 points on 12-for-12 shooting.
His case leaned on the franchise’s long run of dominant centers.
“For so long, the Lakers big men have been historical and dominant,” O’Neal said. “Walker Kessler is the best big man in the NBA. You heard it here, and I’m not playing.”
He went further while speaking directly to Kessler. “The way you played tonight, you played like the best big man in the league,” O’Neal said.
In 30 minutes, he added nine rebounds, two blocks and one assist. Ten of his 12 field goals were dunks.
Not since O’Neal in 2003 had a Laker thrown down that many in a single outing, according to ESPN. The total also reportedly set a record for the NBA’s play-by-play era.
Before Kessler, Wilt Chamberlain was the only Laker to make 12 or more field goals in one game without a miss, going 14-for-14 for 34 points in 1969.
O’Neal didn’t miss the connection, welcoming Kessler to the “Big Man Alliance” before picking a nickname. “Your new nickname is Milk Chamberlain,” he said.
Luka Doncic, who posted 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, liked how his new center read the floor. “When I was driving he stepped up. When I was doubled he played the pocket,” Doncic said. “It was a very impressive game from him.”
Getting him wasn’t cheap. General manager Rob Pelinka sent the Utah Jazz two unprotected first-rounders plus the right to swap first-round picks twice, and Kessler landed a four-year, $130 million deal as part of the sign-and-trade.
Kessler is locked in for four seasons. Through one game, he hasn’t missed a shot as a Laker.