Walker Kessler Admits Emotions Got the Best of Him in Return to Utah
The Lakers center struggled in his first game against his former team, the Jazz, but his teammates secured the win.
SALT LAKE CITY — Walker Kessler acknowledged that emotions got the better of him during his return to Delta Center on Sunday, as the Los Angeles Lakers secured a comeback victory over the Utah Jazz.
Kessler, who spent the first four seasons of his NBA career with the Jazz, had a subpar performance in his first game against his former team. He finished with two points on 1-of-2 shooting from the field, four fouls, and just one blocked shot in 28 minutes. He also recorded seven rebounds.
"Definitely let my emotions get the best of me," Kessler said. "But you gotta learn those moments and move on."
Prior to Sunday's game, Kessler had been performing strongly, averaging 24 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4 blocked shots through the first two games of the season. His teammates, however, stepped up to compensate for his off-night. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 52 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds, while Austin Reaves added 29 points. The Lakers had five players score in double figures to secure the 18-point comeback win.
"I’m just glad we got the win," Kessler stated. "I mean, I’ve got a lot of thanks to give to my teammates, I mean, all of them. They all played their roles and did a great job, even though it wasn’t my best night. So I really, really appreciated them."
Kessler was the No. 22 pick in the 2022 NBA draft and was a key part of the Jazz's rebuild after the team traded Donovan Mitchell in the 2022 offseason. He was acquired by the Lakers via a sign-and-trade deal in July, signing a four-year, $130 million contract. The trade involved the Lakers sending the Jazz unprotected first-round draft picks in 2031 and 2033, along with first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030.
Reflecting on his return to Utah, Kessler described the Delta Center as a "special place" where he made "a lot of good memories." He felt he "got too amped" and subsequently struggled to find his rhythm and the ball.
Despite Kessler's uncharacteristic performance, the Lakers improved to 3-0 on the season. "He didn’t have the best game," said Reaves. "But for him to not have a good game and us still get a win shows the versatility of our team."
Kessler expressed relief at getting the emotional game out of the way early in the season. "Yeah, definitely good to get out of the way and be excited for next time we play them," he said.