After spending three seasons together in Utah, Collin Sexton believes Walker Kessler has exactly what the Lakers need to compete.
The Los Angeles Lakers made several significant additions this offseason, but few moves generated as much excitement as acquiring center Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz.
The deal addressed one of the team's biggest needs in the frontcourt while giving Luka Dončić an A-1 center that can be a defensive anchor he reportedly wanted.
Another addition could make Kessler's transition even smoother.
Guard Collin Sexton, who signed with the Lakers earlier this summer after spending the last three seasons alongside Kessler in Utah, believes his former teammate is the perfect fit for what L.A. is trying to build.
Speaking during his introductory press conference in Las Vegas, Sexton praised Kessler's competitiveness and mentality, saying those traits should quickly make an impact with his new team.
Sexton Praises Kessler's Competitive Mindset
Rather than pointing to Kessler's shot blocking or athleticism, Sexton highlighted what he believes separates the 24-year-old center from many players around the league.
"I would say his mindset," Sexton said. "Being able to come in and give it his all each and every night. He's one of those people that's very competitive. I feel like the culture here is trying to bring good guys in who are ready to compete each and every night and give it their all."
Walker Kessler (left) talks with guard Collin Sexton (2) during halftime against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.The praise carries extra weight considering the two spent three seasons together in Utah developing chemistry both on and off the floor.
Sexton said that relationship has continued since arriving in L.A.
"Me and Walker, we have built a really good relationship over the past four or five years," Sexton said. "Even yesterday when we were doing the 3-on-3, we still locked in so it's cool."
That familiarity could help accelerate Kessler's adjustment to his new surroundings while also strengthening the Lakers' chemistry heading into training camp.
d Collin Sexton (2), center Walker Kessler (24), and guard Jordan Clarkson (00) celebrate after winning the Skills Competition during the 2023 All Star Saturday Night at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn ImagesA New Core Begins to Take Shape
The Lakers are counting on Kessler to anchor the middle after acquiring him in a sign-and-trade with the Jazz earlier this offseason. The 7-foot-2 center has quickly developed into one of the NBA's top young rim protectors and gives L.A. the interior presence it lacked last season.
Pairing Kessler with Dončić should create one of the league's more intriguing pick-and-roll combinations, while Sexton's experience alongside both players provides another valuable piece to the puzzle.
Sexton also joked about another notable storyline involving his move to L.A. Despite spending eight seasons with the Lakers, LeBron James departed in free agency before the veteran guard arrived.
"He's just leaving every time I arrive," Sexton said with a laugh, noting that one of the Lakers coaches made the same joke.
Although the comment drew laughs, Sexton's focus remains on helping the Lakers move forward. With Kessler protecting the paint, Dončić leading the offense and a revamped supporting cast around them, the franchise believes it has assembled a roster capable of competing in the Western Conference.
If Sexton's assessment is any indication, Kessler's competitive approach could become one of the defining traits of this new era in L.A.
