Walker Kessler Finding Rhythm In Lakers Role

No new addition is more important to the Los Angeles Lakers’ long-term success than center Walker Kessler. The defensive anchor was given a massive four-year contract — as well as two first-round picks and swaps to the Utah Jazz — because of L.A.’s belief in his ability to be a game-changer on the defensive end, on the glass and as a lob threat for Luka Doncic.

The early returns are very positive. Kessler is averaging 9.9 rebounds per game (seventh in the NBA) to go along with 2.9 blocks (second) and a league-best 75.4% from the field with 14.3 points per game. He is altering shots at the rim and being efficient with his limited touches. Kessler evaluated himself so far this season, saying that he is starting to figure out his positioning in the context of his new team.

“I think I’m starting to find my rhythm a little bit more on the rebounding side,” Kessler said after Sunday’s win over the Toronto Raptors. “Not getting under the rim so much. I’m not someone that needs to really score a lot to impact the game. That’s not where I find myself in the game right now.

“But we’re winning games, and I think, my teammates understand my strengths, and, and it’s working right now. Or it’s worked this past game.”

Kessler’s mentality is exactly what the entire Lakers roster needs to be thinking, which is that winning ranks above anything else, regardless of how it looks.

“Yeah. I don’t really care about who gets credit for what,” he said. “I think as long as we’re winning games, but I think it’s definitely with all the guys, playing their roles we’re a really good team when everyone’s doing their job.”

The former Jazz big man has done an incredible job so far of being where he needs to be and playing his role effectively. However, he has the benefit of maybe having the most obvious role on the team besides Doncic. There are definitely some players still working to find exactly how they fit into the puzzle.

But Kessler is right in that if everyone has the same mentality, the roles will figure themselves out.

Walker Kessler believes Lakers need time to build chemistry

The Lakers are 5-2 through seven games, but they look like a team still working through some issues on both ends of the floor. Their offensive talent is so great, that their offensive rating is still No. 2 in the league despite that. But Kessler thinks it’s just a matter of needing time.

“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.”