Why Luka Doncic, Walker Kessler Duo Will Decide Lakers’ Season

The Los Angeles Lakers can build an offense around Luka Doncic’s ability to create advantages. Turning those advantages into reliable production will require a strong connection with Walker Kessler.

Their partnership gives L.A. a straightforward way to pressure defenses: a ballhandler who forces opponents to commit extra attention and a center who can turn that attention into opportunities around the basket.

The possibilities are clear. The timing will require work.

After Tuesday's practice, Doncic expects his pick-and-roll chemistry with Kessler to improve as they accumulate more time together. That development will be central to an offense still learning how its new pieces fit.

Austin Reaves remains essential to the Lakers’ offensive creation, and the surrounding wings will influence spacing. But the Doncic-Kessler combination can establish the action that makes everyone else’s responsibilities easier.

A productive possession between Doncic and Kessler does not have to end with either player scoring.

When Kessler sets a screen and rolls hard, the opposing center must account for his movement toward the rim. Staying close to Kessler can give Doncic room to finish or reach his preferred shots. Stepping toward Doncic can open the passing window behind the defense.

Help from the perimeter creates another opportunity: an open teammate.

Those decisions are what can make the partnership valuable across an entire lineup. A defender who leaves the corner to disrupt Kessler’s roll creates a shot elsewhere, provided the Lakers move the ball before the defense recovers.

Kessler’s screening will be particularly important. The angle, contact and timing of each screen can determine whether Doncic gets separation or faces a defender who remains attached.

The same applies to the roll. Leaving too early can reduce the screen’s effectiveness. Moving too late can allow the defense to recover.

Developing that understanding should give L.A. a dependable starting point when its offense slows down.

The duo’s influence extends beyond what happens when Doncic has the ball.

Kessler’s positioning near the basket can provide support when perimeter defenders get beaten. His challenge will be protecting the rim while remaining aware of his own assignment and avoiding unnecessary fouls.

Doncic and the other guards must contribute by staying involved defensively, communicating through screens and helping finish possessions.

A contested miss accomplishes little if the opponent collects the rebound. Kessler cannot be expected to challenge the shot and secure every loose ball without help.

That shared responsibility matters because stops can create easier offense before opponents establish their defense.

The Lakers should eventually judge this partnership by the quality of possessions it produces: cleaner scoring opportunities, fewer defensive breakdowns and more possessions finished with a rebound.

Doncic can generate the initial advantage. Kessler can help turn it into something repeatable. How consistently they accomplish that together will go a long way toward determining the Lakers’ season.