The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Walker Kessler for a number of reasons, but one of the biggest was to defend the top centers in the Western Conference.

Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, and Chet Holmgren are three of the top centers in the league, and they all reside in the West. The Lakers’ lack of frontcourt has been noticeable in the last two playoff years, when Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert had their way with the Lakers’ frontcourt, which was highlighted by Jaxson Hayes in 2025, and Isaiah Hartenstein and Holmgren dominated Deandre Ayton and company in 2026.

The addition of Kessler gives the Lakers their own big body to bang in the paint and protect the rim.

Nikola Jokic has established himself as the top center, top player, and top offensive player in the league with his ability to create his own shots from the post, set up his teammates, use his size and footwork to make defenders look foolish, and finish with a perfect touch.

On Friday, Kessler got to battle Jokic in preseason action.

Jokic played 30 minutes, going 7-for-8 from the field for 17 points to go along with six rebounds and eight assists. Kessler struggled against the two-time MVP, finishing with a -21 plus/minus.

After the game, Kessler spoke on the difficulties of defending Jokic.

"It knocked off a lot of rust. There's a pile in my locker. There's a reason why he is who he is. He's arguably the best big in the league and best player in the league. I would argue Luka's better, obviously, for obvious reasons. But I mean, he's an exceptional player. It's been a long time since I've really competed against someone like that, since November basically of last year. So definitely was nice to get that in before it actually counts,” he said.

This was Kessler’s second game in a year after playing just five games last season before season-ending shoulder surgery. He played 16 minutes against the Golden State Warriors on October 13, looking like the guy the Lakers were expecting when they acquired him, but he was going up against Charles Bassey, a far cry from Nikola Jokic.

Preseason a time where the rust gets knocked off, and that’s exactly what happened in this game. As the season goes along, Kessler will continue to find his legs and physicality, better preparing him for nights against one of the most dominant offensive centers in league history.