Walker Kessler’s stat line in Lakers debut will have fans buzzing appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
On Tuesday night, Walker Kessler finally suited up for the Los Angeles Lakers, making his preseason debut in a clash against the Golden State Warriors. Kessler had been nursing a finger injury, which kept him out for the Lakers’ first three preseason contests, but it did not look like he was coming off an injury at all with the way he performed.
In just 16 minutes of play, Kessler recorded 11 points, nine rebounds, and one assist, steal, and block apiece. The Lakers center was a major presence on the interior, as he made four of his six shot attempts from the field. He also posted a game-high plus-15, which shows that he will be crucial for LA as they look to play winning basketball this upcoming season.
Walker Kessler vs Warriors:
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16 MIN 11 PTS 9 REB 1 AST 1 STL 1 BLK 70.9 TS% pic.twitter.com/FH7MXFvS5z
— Laker Performances (@LALPerformance) October 14, 2026
Kessler is only 25 years of age, and the Lakers believe that he’ll be a transformative presence for them in the paint considering the resources they spent to bring him in. Not only did they sign him to a four-year, $130 million contract, they also forked over two unprotected first-round picks as well as two pick swaps to the Utah Jazz to acquire his services.
Ever since he entered the NBA, Kessler has developed a reputation for being one of the best shot-blockers in the NBA. In fact, despite missing the majority of the 2025-26 campaign after undergoing season-ending surgery which cut his season short after just five games played, he ranks seventh in the NBA in total blocks since his rookie campaign, with 474.
But it’s on offense where it will be interesting to monitor Kessler’s development. He’ll be playing with the most talented playmakers he’s ever had the privilege of playing alongside in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, so a breakout season could be in order for the 25-year-old center.
It’s not quite clear yet if Kessler will suit up for the Lakers in their final preseason game on Friday against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. But if he does, fans should be in for a treat in what should be an incredible center matchup.
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