Sep 28, 2026; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers player Walker Kessler (14) during media day at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Lakers have had an interesting run through preseason thus far. With a 2-1 record following their 114-110 win over the Sacramento Kings, the Purple and Gold seem to be in a good place. Still, the absence of star big man Walker Kessler in these games has been a major talking point.
It was announced that Walker Kessler suffered a minor finger injury during practice ahead of the Lakers’ preseason opener against Sacramento. Although the coaching staff assured that it wasn’t a major injury and that the center would return to the rotation in due time, his extended unavailability has raised some eyebrows.
Given how much time the 25-year-old lost to injury last season, these concerns seem justified. However, following a recent Lakers practice session, Walker Kessler provided some insight on the status of his injury and how he has been managing it. He shared:
“Just jammed it a little bit. You know, just taking precautionary stuff, especially because it’s preseason. But it feels good. I fully went today in practice, and it felt great. So yeah, just feels good.”
Although the little finger on Kessler’s left hand was completely wrapped up, the Lakers’ big man assured that it was just a precautionary measure. Given that it didn’t hinder his activity during the practice sessions, this can be viewed as a promising update.
In a follow-up question, Walker Kessler was also asked about how badly he wanted to make his preseason debut with the Lakers. The 25-year-old responded:
“You know, I think it’d be a little bit different if I had played last season. But because I didn’t play last season, I want to play really bad. I’m ready to play, but, you know, I trust the staff; I trust the trainers, the coaches, and the front office. So yeah, just trusting them right now.”
While it may seem excessive, the Lakers’ cautious approach to Kessler’s injury recovery is understandable. Given how important he will be once he is in the rotation, the Purple and Gold will depend on him heavily over the course of the regular season. In light of this, L.A. can only hope he remains healthy after he is cleared to play.
Walker Kessler Opens Up On His Defensive Role
Walker Kessler was one of the Lakers’ most significant offseason additions this year. When noting L.A.’s dire need to pair Luka Doncic with a reliable center, acquiring a player like Kessler seemed ideal. Still, it is his role in the rotation that justifies his importance.
While speaking with the media after practice, Kessler opened up about his role as the defensive anchor and the expectations that come with it. He stated:
“Obviously, Luka and AR are very special players, especially offensively. So they’ve kind of taken over the offense, but I’ve been asked to kind of be the defensive anchor. That’s going to be my role. It’s going to be the linebacker, the defense, and kind of take control of that.”
When asked whether this role demanded more from him as a communicator, the 25-year-old smiled and responded:
“Yeah, I talk a lot. You’ll hear me. I yell a lot.”
Walker Kessler has earned a reputation for being a reliable rebounder and lob threat, two traits that make him a phenomenal fit alongside Luka Doncic. However, it is his potential to be an elite defender and rim protector that will make him one of the most important players on the Lakers’ roster.
Since he only appeared in five games last season, his averages of 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game may seem inflated. However, when considering he averages 0.5 steals and 2.4 blocks per game for his career, Kessler is clearly capable of being the Lakers’ defensive anchor.
While his skill set will earn him a starting role in the Lakers’ rotation, it may be some time before fans get a glimpse of the big man in action. Despite the state of his condition, head coach JJ Redick mentioned that there is no confirmation on his availability for the upcoming game against Golden State. Hence, we can only remain patient at this stage.