JJ Redick knows Walker Kessler’s introduction to the Los Angeles Lakers involves more than learning a new offense or developing chemistry with his teammates.

There is also the responsibility of playing a prominent position for a franchise whose performances invite attention every night. Kessler will experience that scrutiny as the Lakers’ starting center, with his contributions carrying considerable importance alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.

Redick believes Kessler wanted those stakes. He also recognizes that understanding the expectations before the season begins is only part of the adjustment.

The Lakers coach has already made those demands a subject of discussion with his new center, including an extended conversation as the regular season approaches.

“I think he wants to embrace that. I think that's why he wanted to be a Laker and why he wanted to be here was because of the fact that there are stakes every single night when you wear a Lakers uniform,” Redick said.

“We've had a number of conversations. We had a long conversation the other day about it. I think the awareness is there.”

Kessler’s role gives him several ways to influence games. His rim protection and rebounding can help stabilize the defense, while his screening and finishing can create opportunities for the Lakers’ guards.

Consistency in those areas will be important as L.A. develops familiarity with its new center. Some nights will require him to finish possessions around the basket. Others may place greater emphasis on defending actions, communicating coverages and helping teammates recover.

Those responsibilities offer specific tasks to concentrate on when the attention surrounding an individual performance grows.

Redick, however, acknowledged that preparation cannot account for every part of the experience.

“How you navigate that early on and how you navigate that in your first year there's no way to predict that because you've never dealt with it before,” he said.

Redick’s comments also outlined the support available to Kessler as he settles into the role.

“But he's got great support around him. His agent Aaron Mintz has been a long time friend of mine. I'm here to help him. We're all here to support him,” Redick said.

That commitment will matter when the season brings difficult stretches. A missed rotation or quiet offensive night can become a larger talking point, particularly for a player expected to address important needs in the frontcourt.

Continued communication can help Kessler understand what the coaching staff needs from him and where adjustments are necessary. It also gives Redick a chance to reinforce productive habits while correcting mistakes.

The adjustment extends to other newcomers learning what playing for the Lakers entails. Redick described a group motivated by the opportunity and aware of the supporters watching.

“All these guys that haven't gone through it. There's nothing like it and I think they all wanna embrace it,” Redick said. “They all have a chip on their shoulder about it. And they wanna make Lakers fans proud and I know they will.”

For Kessler, earning that trust will come through dependable work over the season. The Lakers need him to help organize their defense, finish possessions and complement their primary creators.

Redick’s message establishes an expectation for both sides: Kessler must meet the demands of his position, and the people around him must help him navigate them.