Lakers’ Walker Kessler giving Luka Doncic help that fits

Luka Doncic scored 53 points Friday, but the Lakers would probably prefer that he not need 53 every night.

That’s where Walker Kessler becomes increasingly important.

The Lakers paid two first-round picks to acquire a center who could finish around the basket, rebound and protect the rim. Ten games into an 8-2 start, they’re getting a clearer picture of why they made that investment.

Kessler finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds in the win over the Trail Blazers, shooting 70% from the floor. As Ryan Ward of Lakers On SI noted, it was his fourth double-double in five games.

The appeal alongside Doncic is straightforward. Kessler can contribute without needing the offense redirected toward him. Get into position, finish the opportunities Doncic creates and help clean up possessions at the other end.

That’s useful help for a player carrying this much offensive responsibility.

Friday also offered some encouragement beyond the scoring. The Lakers shot just 30% from three but collected 15 steals and scored 28 points off Portland’s 24 turnovers. They won the rebounding battle, too.

Those are ways to survive a poor shooting night without simply asking Doncic to manufacture another difficult basket.

Of course, he manufactured plenty anyway. His 53 points pushed his average to 40.1, and the Lakers won their fourth straight.

Nobody should confuse that with proof they’ve solved every problem. A team relying on this level of scoring from one player still has plenty to examine.

But Kessler’s production gives the Lakers something practical to build on. They already have the guy who can make the spectacular play. They need dependable work around him, and their new center is supplying it.