Walker Kessler Appreciates Support From Lakers Fans

After an offseason in which the Los Angeles Lakers turned over nearly their entire roster, fans weren’t sure what to expect this season. Their big offseason acquisition was Walker Kessler, who had missed nearly all of last season with the Utah Jazz.

So far though, everything has worked out extremely well as Kessler is fitting in perfectly and the Lakers have the best record in the NBA at 8-2 with the league’s top offense. After Friday night’s comeback win over the Portland Trail Blazers, Kessler expressed appreciation to the fans for giving him support early in his Lakers tenure.

“People always like talk about how I beat the pressure and stuff, and there’s for sure that, but I feel that, obviously we’re playing well, so things are going well right now. But the fanbase has been incredible,” Kessler said. “The fanbase has been really supportive through the good times and the bad times right now. Out and about, people are very respectful, and I’m very thankful for that.”

The Lakers knew they needed to find a long-term center to pair with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and so far Kessler has been a perfect fit as a rim protector who can rebound, set hard screens and be a lob threat.

Through 10 games, Kessler is averaging a career-high 14.6 points to go along with 10.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks while shooting a league-leading 71.6% from the field. And there’s nothing he is doing that doesn’t feel sustainable. In fact, it feels like there is even another level Kessler can reach as he continues to build chemistry with his new teammates, which should have Laker fans very excited about what’s to come.

Walker Kessler believes Lakers are building resiliency

The Lakers have typically started off hot in games this season, but that was not the case on Friday night as they missed their first 15 3-point attempts and were trailing by 16 in the second quarter.

L.A. never gave up though and kept fighting to get the win, which Kessler was happy to see this early in the season for a new group.

“JJ [Redick] hit the nail on the head. Responding to a team, losing to a team previously, coming in and responding. Even when they made their run in the fourth quarter, responding well to that, it definitely builds a sort of resiliency,” Kessler said. “When you face any kind of adversity like that, [it’s] how you respond because obviously you’re gonna face some tough times. These teams are the best basketball players in the world. So, it can be anyone’s night, and you gotta respond.”