Former Los Angeles Lakers champion Robert Horry has identified center Walker Kessler as the primary "difference-maker" for the team in the upcoming 2026 NBA season. Horry, who won three titles with the Lakers in the 2000s, emphasized Kessler's importance in the team's pursuit of an 18th franchise championship, a goal bolstered by the significant offseason acquisition of Luka Dončić.
"When you watch what Walker Kessler brings to the game, he's so incredibly skilled and we haven’t had a big since AD that can block shots like that, pop out for threes," Horry stated. He added a note of caution regarding Kessler's health, questioning the impact of a near-season-long absence due to injury. "So I just hope he stays healthy — Him missing damn near all season, how much rust has he developed?"
Kessler's performance in his initial three seasons saw him emerge as one of the league's top big men. In the 2024-2025 season, he achieved career highs, averaging 12.2 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, 1.7 assists, and 11.1 points per game. His previous season also showed similar production before a torn labrum injury prematurely ended his campaign.
Horry elaborated on Kessler's pivotal role, suggesting his impact might supersede that of Dončić or Austin Reaves: "So it’s going to be really interesting to see what he can do because he is the key. Not Luka, not AR, he is."
Dončić's primary request to the Lakers front office during the offseason was the addition of a capable big man. The team fulfilled this desire by acquiring Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade deal. This transaction involved the Lakers trading away two unprotected future first-round draft picks and two future pick swaps. The deal also included a four-year contract extension for Kessler worth $130 million, with an initial salary of $30.1 million for the upcoming season.
With a potentially healthy Kessler integrated into the roster, the Lakers are set to feature a new prominent trio comprised of Kessler, Dončić, and Austin Reaves as they aim for a championship.