Walker Kessler, the Lakers' significant free agency acquisition, made his preseason debut on Tuesday night against the Golden State Warriors at T-Mobile Arena. Kessler had been sidelined for the Lakers' first three preseason games due to a left pinky finger injury sustained during the first week of training camp.
The 7-foot-2 center had been progressing through his recovery, participating in live drills during Sunday's practice after only engaging in non-contact drills on Saturday. The injury involved jamming his left pinky on a backboard during practice, and it had been wrapped in recent weeks. Kessler stated earlier in the week that the finger felt good and that the precautionary measures were being taken during the preseason.
While Kessler's debut was a notable development, the Lakers opted to rest superstar guard Luka Doncic for the game. Coach JJ Redick confirmed that Doncic was not injured and had participated in two of the team's initial three preseason contests.
The Lakers are scheduled to play their final exhibition game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday in Los Angeles.