Walker Kessler Reveals How He Wants to Impact Lakers This Season

Walker Kessler does not need the Los Angeles Lakers to run their offense through him to influence a game. His goals for his first season with the team begin with the possessions that require effort rather than a play call.

Following his preseason debut against the Golden State Warriors, Kessler explained the approach he and coach JJ Redick have discussed. The expectation is straightforward: keep working, pursue rebounds and remain involved on both ends.

“JJ and I talked, and that's kind of what we came up with this year, ‘relentless,’ and for me, that means just crashing every time, trying to be a presence in the paint, inside, outside, play hard, don't take plays off … So that’s going to be my goal,” Kessler said.

For a Lakers team building around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves, that approach gives its new starting center a clear responsibility.

Kessler offered an encouraging first look Tuesday, finishing with 11 points and nine rebounds in approximately 16 minutes during the Lakers’ 101-89 loss to Golden State. He also recorded a block and a steal while shooting 4 of 6 from the field.

Those numbers represent the kind of production L.A. should want from him. He can contribute without needing repeated touches, leaving the primary ballhandling responsibilities with the Lakers’ guards.

Offensive rebounding is one way to make that work. When Dončić or Reaves draws multiple defenders, Kessler can pursue the space those defenders leave behind. Even when he does not collect the rebound, forcing an opponent to account for him can create opportunities for a teammate.

The same principle applies when he rolls to the basket. A hard roll forces a defensive decision. A casual one allows an opponent to recover without giving up much.

Kessler’s stated goal places those details at the center of his job.

Defensively, being relentless must extend beyond chasing blocks.

The Lakers need Kessler to establish position, communicate with teammates and finish possessions with rebounds. Challenging an initial shot has less value if an opponent collects the miss and scores on the next attempt.

There will also be possessions when he must leave the paint, help contain a ball handler, and recover. Maintaining his effort through those movements will matter as much as his work near the rim.

That does not mean abandoning discipline. Pursuing every possible block or offensive rebound can create problems if it pulls him out of position. His challenge is to pair activity with good decisions.

Tuesday provided a promising introduction, but the regular season will demand that approach repeatedly, including on nights when scoring opportunities are limited.

Kessler has identified a standard he can pursue regardless of his shot total. If he follows through, the Lakers can benefit from his presence well beyond the points he scores.