A Western Conference scout told Dan Woike of The Athletic that the Lakers’ 2026-27 season depends on center Walker Kessler, as relayed by Bleacher Report. The scout, who was not named, spoke ahead of the Lakers’ season opener against the Golden State Warriors.
“Their season hinges on Walker Kessler,” the scout said. He gave two conditions: “One, he has to be healthy. And then two, he has to be good.”
The scout also said Kessler’s long absence from competitive NBA games leaves open how he will handle the workload.
Lakers coach JJ Redick told ESPN’s Dave McMenamin he believes “Walker has the potential to be one of the best rim [protection] guys, and when he’s played, he’s been that for the most part.” At the start of training camp in September, Dončić said he “really wanted” Kessler in Los Angeles.
The Lakers got Kessler from Utah in a sign-and-trade. They sent the Jazz unprotected first-round draft picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round swaps in 2028 and 2030, and signed him to a four-year, $130 million contract.
Kessler played only five games in 2025-26 while recovering from a torn labrum in his left shoulder. He also missed the first three preseason games of 2026 with a left pinky injury.
In his preseason debut, a 101-89 loss to Golden State, he had 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting, nine rebounds, one block and one steal in 16 minutes.
Kessler’s Health Is the Open Question
Of the scout’s two conditions, health is the one with a recent track record against Kessler. Five games in 2025-26 and a finger injury that cost him most of the preseason are the only availability evidence since the trade.
The price the Lakers paid shows the front office already agreed with the scout before he said anything. The open question is whether Kessler stays on the floor long enough to test the second condition. One full preseason game can’t settle that.
The Warriors Come to Crypto.com Tonight
Kessler makes his regular-season Lakers debut Wednesday, Oct. 21, against the Warriors at Crypto.com Arena. It will be his first regular-season game since Oct. 31, 2025, with the Jazz.
Source: Dan Woike of The Athletic
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