Lakers’ Walker Kessler pulls off wild feat last done by Shaq with 1-man dunkfest appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick wanted Walker Kesslerto play with relentless energy. In his first game wearing a Lakers jersey, Kessler already displayed that mentality during the team’s season opener against the Golden State Warriors.
The Lakers star had already recorded 10 dunks by the end of the third quarter. The last Lakers player to register 10 dunks in a single game was Shaquille O’Neal.
After spending the first four seasons of his career with the Utah Jazz, the 7-foot-2 center arrives in Los Angeles with high expectations. The former Utah star has already embraced those expectations.
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The Lakers acquired Kessler from the Jazz in a sign-and-trade deal this offseason, sending two unprotected first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps to Utah. Los Angeles subsequently signed him to a four-year, $130 million contract.
Kessler’s arrival comes as the Lakers usher in a new era built around Luka Doncic following LeBron James’ departure. The Lakers are hoping their new partnership can deliver results at both ends of the floor.
Fortunately, Wednesday turned out to be a successful day for the Lakers. In his first regular-season appearance with Los Angeles, Kessler helped the team secure a 127-105 victory.
The Lakers gave up a lot to bring Walker Kessler to Los Angeles. However, the young center quickly demonstrated why the gamble could pay off.
The Lakers star recorded 26 points on a perfect 12-of-12 shooting, along with nine rebounds and two blocks against the Warriors. His performance marked the most points scored in a season opener without missing a field-goal attempt.
The young center also has plenty to prove after a shoulder injury restricted him to just five appearances during the 2025-26 season. Despite the injury, he had established himself as an effective rebounder and shot-blocker, averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game in the 2025-26 season.
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