While the Lakers reshaping their roster was anticipated this summer, the sheer volume of new signings, and particularly in the short amount of time, was overwhelming.
As we circle back to break down some of the new players that will be donning the purple and gold, I figured the best way to get some insight and a scouting report on them was from those who covered their previous teams.
Walker Kessler was the team’s big swing of the offseason. The Lakers are banking on his defense to anchor the team and make it one of the best in the league, while hoping he pairs nicely with Luka Dončić as a pick-and-roll partner.
I reached out to James Hansen, site manager of Salt Lake City Dunk, to ask about Kessler and his fit with the Lakers.
What are his strengths?
First, rim protection. Opponent scoring at the rim is much lower when Kessler is defending. He is also in the 99th percentile in block percentage, according to Dunks & Threes. Kessler consistently holds down the paint, arguably the most important thing you can do on the defensive end.
Second, scoring at the rim. Kessler shot 68% on 2s in 2026, 67.6% in 2025, and 67.7 in 2024. All three of those seasons were in the 98th percentile or better. Kessler doesn’t have any sort of isolation game but when he gets the ball near the rim, he finishes at an elite level.
Third, offensive rebounding. Part of what makes Kessler such an elite finisher is that he’s such a good offensive rebounder. Kessler was in the 98th percentile last season and the 97th percentile the year before with his offensive rebound rate.
And when he rebounds it, he scores the ball. That ability to put pressure on the rim really ups your team’s offensive efficiency night after night, easily his most effective offensive skill.
What are his weaknesses?
First, free throw shooting. Kessler’s free throw percentage was in the low 50s for two of his four seasons. He played in just five games last season, so I would take his 70% free throw with a grain of salt.
This was one of those things that looks like it can improve for Kessler but he inevitably falls into bad habits just when you think he’ll improve. Maybe with the Lakers, he’ll finally find some consistency on this end, but as of right now, it’s an issue.
Second, skillset. Kessler is more of an advanced analytics darling than he is an eye-test type of player. Kessler has teased a 3-point shot at times but when the Jazz have actually had him let the threes fly, it hasn’t worked.
Whenever the Jazz would throw Kessler the ball in the post, it went…badly. Kessler becomes a great player if he sticks to what he’s great at. It’s when he’s trying to go beyond that when he struggles. Maybe he can develop his game more, but he would be right to emphasize the parts of his game that made him a target for the Lakers.
Third, there’s a little bit of softness to him. Head coach Will Hardy probably yelled at Kessler louder and more often than at anyone else on the Jazz. It’s likely because it always felt like there was another level he should be able to get to. He just never quite got there.
He is also a player that other teams love to challenge. Kessler is a great rim protector but there are a lot of guys that love to go at him. At times, it would get in his head when someone got a huge dunk on him and you could see him dip a little bit. Maybe with the Lakers, playing for wins, and a new contract will help him gain more mental toughness.
From an outsider’s perspective, how do you see him fitting with the Lakers?
I think he’ll fit really well with Luka Dončić, both on the offensive end as a rolling big and as a defender that can make up for some weak perimeter defense. He’s a solid passer as well, so he can move the ball out of the short roll, something Hardy and the Jazz developed well with him.
As long as the Lakers don’t expect Kessler to create his own shot, they’ll be happy with him.
Anything else to know about him?
Walker Kessler has a fun personality and should be a player Laker fans enjoy. I have no doubt he’ll become a fan favorite like he was for Jazz fans.
You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRudeor on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.
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