Walker Kessler Believes Lakers Need Time To Build Chemistry

Growing pains are gonna be a part of the process for the new-look Los Angeles Lakers, but blowing a first-half 25-point lead like they did to the Golden State Warriors on Friday night is inexcusable. Luka Doncic came out firing with 21 points in the first quarter and Walker Kessler had a solid defensive outing protecting the rim.

Outside of those two, the Lakers bench struggled mightily. Kessler discussed postgame the challenges of finding chemistry with new teammates while holding one another accountable.

“Yeah, you know, I think it’s just chemistry,” Kessler said on Spectrum SportsNet. “You don’t all know what guys like to do on the floor yet, everyone is kind of figuring out their role. Obviously it’s a new team, so a lot of guys have different roles. I think it’s different because guys aren’t necessarily comfortable talking to each other during tough times or calling each other out or taking coaching or taking a response. If a player is like, ‘Hey, do this, but I got your back,’ respond to it. So, I think that just builds with time. We have a lot of talent on this team, a lot of good players. Everyone’s seen it when we’re playing well, so continuing to build on that.”

Accountability is an integral part of a team’s culture, specifically when it comes to building towards a championship. So far through six games, there have been promising and worrisome signs for the Lakers, as expected when it comes to a new team coming together.

The hope is that the loss to the Warriors can be used as a turning point to establish an identity. Los Angeles came back from down 18 on the road against the Utah Jazz last week, so they are well-aware that no lead is safe in the NBA and need to play as such.

Head coach JJ Redick continues to tinker with lineup combinations to figure out what works. Hopefully, they can get that sorted out soon to build some momentum as a group.

Walker Kessler accountable for Lakers’ defensive struggles

The Lakers invested a lot of their remaining draft assets to acquire Kessler via sign-and-trade this past offseason as their cornerstone center. A lot of responsibility comes with anchoring a defense, and there has been a mixed bag so far from Kessler.

A particularly disappointing defensive performance came against the Portland Trail Blazers, but it was not solely on the Lakers’ center. However, he took responsibility for the team’s struggles on the defensive end with hopes of progress.