Lakers’ massive gamble could become a ‘regular-season wins machine’

The Los Angeles Lakers spent like Walker Kessler must become much more than a conventional center.

Kevin O’Connor and Raj Chipalu believe he could be the piece that stabilizes the Lakers on both ends — and turns its revamped core into a relentless regular-season operation.

Los Angeles Lakers Walker Kessler throws out the first pitch before a game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday, September 3, 2026, in Los Angeles. Wally Skalij for CA Post

Discussing Kessler on “The Kevin O’Connor Show”, O’Connor said the 7-foot-2 big man was “amazing when he was healthy” and argued that the Lakers’ steep investment reflects how difficult his skill set is to find.

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Los Angeles sent Utah unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033, plus swaps in 2028 and 2030, to complete the sign-and-trade, then gave Kessler a four-year, $130 million contract.

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O’Connor described him as an “elite interior defender,” lob target, finisher and screener. He also pointed to Kessler’s early experimentation with spot-up 3-pointers, a development that could determine whether the deal eventually resembles an overpay or an underpay.

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The immediate fit beside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves is uncomplicated. Kessler can create advantages without demanding post-ups or midrange touches: set a sturdy screen, roll hard, catch lobs and punish defenses on the offensive glass. He led the NBA with 4.6 offensive rebounds per game in 2024-25.

Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks goes up for a shot as Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz defends in the first half at Madison Square Garden in New York on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST

His larger responsibility is covering for breakdowns at the other end. Kessler contested…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/lakers-massive-gamble-could-become-224504368.html

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Publish date : 2026-09-10 22:45:00

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