Walker Kessler is prepared to dedicate himself fully to the Los Angeles Lakers, stating he is ready to "run through a brick wall" for the franchise. The Lakers made a substantial investment to acquire the 7-foot-2 center, sending two unprotected first-round draft picks (2031 and 2033) and agreeing to two pick swaps in 2028 and 2030. Kessler also signed a four-year, $130 million contract, with his 2026-27 salary making him the 10th-highest paid center in the league.
Despite never making an All-Star, All-NBA, or All-Defense team and coming off shoulder surgery that limited him to five games last season, Kessler feels honored by the team's confidence. "It definitely makes you feel a certain way when you know an organization believes in you," Kessler said during his first media availability since joining the Lakers. "And I think what they’ve invested, they’re showing that belief in a monetary value, not just with money, but like you said, assets. And for me, I’m somebody that if I know that they have that belief in me, I’m gonna run through a brick wall for them."
Kessler's fit with the Lakers is also bolstered by superstar guard Luka Doncic, who advocated for the team to acquire a center aligning with his preferred playing style: a lob-catcher, rim-runner, and rim-protector. "Passing the ball, he’s pretty good," Kessler said of Doncic. "He has such a big presence on the court, it makes every guy, all four guys around him, it just makes it a lot easier for them to do what they need to do."
Kessler, who has averaged 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in 201 regular-season games since being drafted by the Jazz in 2022, sees his role as complementary. "What I can do for [Doncic] is obviously play defense for him, set great screens. Get him some assists. It’s gonna be a lot of fun," Kessler stated.
He also brings familiarity to the Lakers roster, having played with Collin Sexton for three seasons in Utah. "I would say his mindset and being able to come in and give it his all each and every night," Sexton said of why Kessler will be a good fit. "And he’s one of those people that’s very competitive, and I feel like the culture here is trying to bring good guys in who are ready to compete each and every night and give it their all."
Kessler also shared a connection with Lakers guard Austin Reaves as former Team USA teammates during the 2023 World Cup. Reaves described Kessler as "a big, goofy dude that just enjoys life and has fun," adding that he's "good defensively, good in the pocket. Just a smart player."
Recovering from a torn posterior labrum in his left shoulder, Kessler reported feeling "100% cleared" and that his shoulder "feels better than it’s ever felt in my life." He noted that he originally injured it in college and played through it. Sitting out most of last season provided perspective, reigniting his passion for the game and his desire to win.
Before his injury, Kessler had begun to expand his shooting range, attempting 1.6 three-pointers per game in his first five contests last season, a significant increase from his previous seasons. He discussed this with new coach JJ Redick, who he believes can help him develop this aspect of his game. "Coach JJ [Redick] is obviously hyper intelligent," Kessler said. "Obviously, being a shooter himself, we’ve talked about it and he wants me to be able to do that. Because I think for a big to be able to stretch the floor like that or even have the threat of it, I think it makes other teams’ scouts really difficult."