New Los Angeles Lakers starting center Walker Kessler provided an encouraging injury update Sunday after completing his first full team practice since the opening days of training camp.
The 7-foot-2 center had been limited since jamming his left pinkie finger on the backboard while attempting to block a shot early in camp.
According to Kessler, the Lakers have largely held him back as a precaution.
"It feels good," Kessler said after practice, showing reporters the black tape wrapped around his injured finger. "Fully went today in practice, felt great."
Kessler also participated in the live portion of Sunday's session. JJ Redick, however, stopped short of confirming whether the center will make his Lakers preseason debut Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas.
"I think it would be a little different if I played last season, but because I didn't play last season, I'm like, 'Ah, I want to play really bad,'" Kessler said. "I'm ready to play, but I trust the staff, and I trust the trainers, the coaches, and front office. So yeah, just listening to them right now."
Kessler appears to be trending toward Tuesday return
NBA reporter Jovan Buha believes Kessler's progress points toward a potential return against Golden State.
"I think it seems like he's trending towards playing just because it was a jammed finger," Buha said in his latest podcast.
"We saw him shooting free throws after practice. We saw him working on post moves, and he looked normal. I think it seems like he's going to play on Tuesday, but the Lakers have been non-committal up to this point."
Los Angeles acquired Kessler from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade this summer.
LA has two preseason games remaining, facing the Warriors in Las Vegas on Tuesday, October 13, before hosting the Denver Nuggets on Friday, October 16.
The Lakers then begin the 2026-27 regular season on October 21, hosting Golden State.