Luka Doncic: I really wanted Walker Kessler on Lakers

Walker Kessler wasn’t just another Lakers offseason target. He was Luka Doncic’s guy.

Los Angeles made a major investment in Kessler this summer, sending future first-round picks to Utah in a sign-and-trade and giving the 7-foot-2 center a four-year deal worth nearly $130 million.

“I played a lot of games against Walker, so it was always tough to play against him,” Doncic said, via Law Murray of The Athletic. “So, I really wanted him.”

The Lakers are hoping Kessler can address their biggest defensive weakness. They finished 20th in defensive efficiency last season, and rim protection was a particular problem.

JJ Redick believes Kessler’s presence will allow L.A. to change the way it defends entirely.

“I think it changes how we scheme overall,” Redick said, pointing to how San Antonio kept Victor Wembanyama near the basket during the playoffs.

That’s the idea with Kessler. Keep him around the rim, make opponents think twice about going there, and give Doncic one less problem to solve at the other end.