How Walker Kessler Transformed Lakers Offensively & Defensively! While it was just one game, replacing aging superstar LeBron James with promising young defensive center Walker Kessler has transformed the Los Angeles Lakers into a championship caliber team whose new puzzle pieces perfectly fit and whose players fully understand and embrace their roles. What stands out most through the first two games is the instant chemistry between Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler. Lakers’ head coach JJ Redick noted that this is the first time during his tenure that the roster’s pieces have truly fit together. The Lakers gambled Walker Kessler would be the perfect two-way center to anchor their defense and optimize Luka Dončić’s and Austin Reaves’ offense. What the Lakers unleashed in these first two games was even more impressive than they expected. The Lakers’ new big three of Dončić, Reaves, and Kessler look like they have played together for years rather than just two games, posting a stellar 127.1 offensive rating and a punishing 97.9 defensive rating for a +29.2 net rating. Even more impressive is the balanced scoring: all three stars scored more than 20 points in both contests. Luka Dončić averaged 25.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists; Austin Reaves contributed 25.5 points, 3.0 boards, and 7.5 assists; and Walker Kessler anchored the effort with an impressive 24.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.0 blocks per game. While replacing aging 41-year old superstar LeBron James with promising 24-year old center Walker Kessler was the centerpiece of the Lakers’ massive offseason makeover and modernization, the performance of the their young center in the first two games was beyond their most optimistic expectations. While the Lakers’ former big three of Dončić, James, and Reaves was always an uncomfortable short-term teaming, the Lakers’ new big three of trio Dončić, Reaves, and Kessler offers a more seamless and synergistic fit that elevates the all three star’s individual impact. Although it is only a two-game sample size vs. overmatched opponents, Walker Kessler has already exceeded the Lakers’ expectations. LA’s bold gamble to sacrifice two first-round picks, two pick swaps, and a four-year, $130M contract initially appears to be a big success. Kessler’s immediate rapport between with Dončić and Reaves confirms how well the Lakers’ new big three fit. Let’s examine further how Walker Kessler transformed the Lakers into an offensive juggernaut and defensive powerhouse. ... How Kessler Transforms Lakers Into Offensive Juggernaut While expectations were high for Walker Kessler to bolster the Lakers’ defense, his immediate impact on the offense has been a revelation. After just two games, the Lakers have climbed from their respectable #10 offensive rating of 117.0 last season to a league-leading 123.5, a surge fueled by the dominating offensive interior presence of their new young center. What Walker Kessler has done in just two games is to redefine the kind of center that best fits their elite offensive backcourt of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. Rather than high-fliers like Dereck Lively or Jaxson Hayes who can throw down one-handed dunks but don’t have the size or bulk to be in the right position when Dončić or Reaves need them to be, every single one of Kessler’s 15 dunks this season was a two-handed power dunk. In the first two games, Walker Kessler has shown Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves that he can be an even better volume lob dunker than a high flier because he has the size, motor, and instincts to always be in the right place. Walker was the first Lakers’ center since Wilt to have ten dunks in a game. Beyond his role as an elite interior presence who consistently positions himself for lobs, Walker Kessler is an exceptional rim runner who moves remarkably well for a player of his stature. Of his fifteen dunks through the first two games, five occurred in transition as layup or follow up dunks. Kessler’s ability to quickly sprint the floor is a rare asset, fitting perfectly into the Lakers’ high-tempo, high motor offense. Walker is a unique talent; rarely do seven-foot-two, 245-pound centers possess the mobility to elevate rather than hinder a team’s fast breaks. Kessler’s speed is a silver lining. The contrast in motor and mentality between Walker Kessler and last year’s center, Deandre Ayton, is also both striking and refreshing. Where Ayton viewed the rim-running, screen-setting responsibilities of a traditional big man as beneath him, Kessler has fully embraced the multifaceted role the Lakers require at both ends of the floor. Rather than waiting for plays to be drawn up for him or expressing frustration regarding his touches, Kessler embodies the ideal Lakers teammate: he understands his role, buys into the team-first culture, and executes with precision. While it’s only two games, Walker Kessler’s vertical spacing has been a game changer with the potential to transform the Lakers into an offensive juggernaut. While opposing teams will be forced to focus on stopping the Kessler dunks off lobs, it will be interesting to see how the Lakers adjust. Despite turning the ball over almost 20 times a game and Luke Dončić not yet playing at his normal superstar level, the Lakers 123.5 offensive rating was #1 in the league after the first two games and confirmed that Walkeer Kessler may have transformed the Lakers into an offensive juggernaut. ... How Kessler Transforms Lakers Into Defensive Powerhouse The Lakers’ primary motivation in acquiring Walker Kessler was to secure a tier-one rim protector to anchor their defense. Kessler’s addition empowers their perimeter defenders to play more aggressively, knowing a defensive stalwart always has their backs. Kessler immediately validated this gamble, averaging 5.5 defensive rebounds, 1.5 steals, and 4.0 blocks per game. Through his first two appearances, he spearheaded a formidable defense that currently boasts a 108.3 rating — #12 in the league up from #20 last season— and solidifies his role as the cornerstone of the Lakers’ defense. Last season, the Lakers struggled defensively, ranking #22 in the league with just 4.3 blocks per game. Through the first two games of this season, they have surged to #5 with 7.0 blocks per game — an improvement spearheaded by Walker Kessler, who is currently tied with Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama for the league lead at 4.0 blocks per contest. While he recorded two blocks against an undersized Warriors squad, he truly broke out against the Clippers, tallying six blocks and countless altered shots by roaming the paint while a Lakers’ forward guarded the opposing center. From swatting perimeter shots to anchoring the interior, Kessler has been exactly the defensive stabilizer the Lakers envisioned. By employing a roaming drop coverage that keeps him anchored in the paint, Walker Kessler has empowered the Lakers’ perimeter defenders to play with newfound aggression. These defenders can now press the point of attack with confidence, knowing they have a reliable safety net if beaten off the dribble. This defensive structure fueled a surge in steals from 8.5 per game last season to 12.0 this year, propelling the team to a #12 defense. The Lakers’ defense would have ranked in the league’s top five if not for the points allowed from the offense’s turnovers, underscoring how Kessler has turned the Lakers perimeter defense into a strength rather than liability. After spending his first four years on a Jazz team that prioritized tanking over winning, the real challenge for Walker Kessler will come when he has to play against All-NBA centers like San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama, Denver’s Nikola Jokic, Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren, or New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns. While with Utah, Kessler generally struggled against the top-tier centers. The Lakers hope playing with elite offensive playmakers like Dončić and Reaves will turbocharge Kessler’s offense and being surrounded by a deep rotation of high-motor point-of-attack guards and wings will empower his defense to rise against other top-tier centers. Walker Kessler’s defensive impact has been the primary catalyst for the Lakers’ resurgence this season. By anchoring the interior with elite rim protection, he has empowered the perimeter defenders to play with newfound aggression and confidence. Ultimately, Kessler’s presence has transformed the Lakers into a formidable defensive powerhouse. lakertom.medium.com/how-walk…

LAKERS NEED KESSLER TO DOMINATE TONIGHT! Lakers cannot have a repeat of the disastrous rebounding that we had against the Jazz or they will be killed by the Blazers. Rebounding challenge tonight starts with Kessler but also includes every player on the team. We cannot win unless we control both boards. Walker needs a great bounce back game and Luka and Austin need to dominate against Ja and Damian. Going to be the first big statement game as Blazers are looking like a top-10 team this season and a top-5 defensive team. Lakers have first opportunity to show the NBA what this new roster is capable of. Portland ranks 28th in blocked shots despite Clingan and Williams III so Doncic and Reaves need to attack the rim aggressively to open up the dunks for Kessler. Lakers by 10 is my prediction in another high-scoring game. Lakers win 4th straight to start season.

‘New Look’ Trailblazers Will Be ‘New Look’ Lakers’ First Test This Season The undefeated Los Angeles Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers face off tonight at Crypto.com Arena in a high-stakes showdown between the NBA’s top two offenses. Following a dominant opening week, the 3–0 Lakers lead the NBA with an offensive rating of 125.9, while the 2–0 Trail Blazers follow closely behind at 123.5. This matchup marks a critical early-season test for both franchises as they look to maintain their perfect records. Both the Lakers and the Trail Blazers executed significant offseason transformations that have propelled them to impressive starts in the 2026–27 season. Los Angeles solidified their core by re-signing Austin Reaves and bolstered their roster with Walker Kessler and eight versatile three-point shooting and defensive specialists, while Portland made a massive splash by acquiring Ja Morant to pair with a returning, healthy Damian Lillard. Although the Lakers are 2.5-point favorites playing at home, tonight marks their first significant test of the season. While Los Angeles boasts the league’s top-rated offense, they currently rank 19th in defensive efficiency, leaving them vulnerable against a Portland squad featuring the NBA’s second-ranked defense. With both teams looking to stay undefeated, here are the critical questions that will define tonight’s outcome: ... Who Has The Best Backcourt? The outcome of tonight’s game will likely hinge on the backcourt battle between the Lakers’ high-powered duo of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves and Portland’s superstar pairing of Ja Morant and Damian Lillard. Through their first three games, Doncic and Reaves have been a dominant force, averaging 87.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, 14.3 assists, 3.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks. In comparison, Morant and Lillard have averaged 35.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 11.5 assists, and 3.5 steals over their first two outings. Statistically, the Lakers’ backcourt holds a clear advantage in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking heading into this matchup. To beat the Portland Trailblazers and remain undefeated, the Los Angeles Lakers will need Doncic and Reaves to maintain this intensity and outperform Portland’s star tandem on both ends of the floor. ... Who Has The Best Young Center? The outcome of tonight’s clash between the revamped Lakers and Trail Blazers may hinge on the battle of the 7-footers: 24-year old Walker Kessler and 22-year old Donovan Clingan. Controlling the paint and protecting the rim will be pivotal for both sides and could be decisive on who wins. It has been a breakout season for 24-year-old Lakers center Walker Kessler, who is averaging 16.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks in 31 minutes per game. In contrast, Portland’s Donovan Clingan has averaged 9.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 20.6 minutes of action. Kessler is looking to bounce back after a tough outing against the Jazz, where the opposition focused their defense on neutralizing him, ultimately leaving the corners open for the Lakers to hit 20 three-pointers in a comeback victory. For the Lakers to maintain their undefeated record and secure their first statement win of the season, Kessler must respond with a dominant performance, outplaying Clingan and establishing control in the paint. ... Who Has The Best Rotation. Beyond the headline star guards and centers, tonight’s game could be won by one or two of either team’s elite rotation players. Both the Lakers and the Trail Blazers boast deep, versatile rosters that feature starter-quality role players who could become critical X-factors on both ends of the floor. For LA, the impact is felt through starting forwards Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams, alongside a high-energy second unit anchored by Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Collin Sexton. Portland counters with a formidable defensive identity, utilizing the 3-and-D prowess of starters Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija, while relying on the veteran defensive intensity of Jrue Holiday and Robert Williams III off the bench. Ultimately, this contest serves as a classic clash of philosophies: the Lakers’ league-leading offensive firepower versus the Blazers’ stifling defensive unit. The team that extracts the most production from their depth rotation could easily dictate the outcome of this early-season statement game. lakertom.medium.com/new-look…

NBA Power Rankings: Lakers leap into contenders tier nytimes.com/athletic/7726421…

Lakers Game Preview: Game 4 vs Trail Blazers digginbasketball.substack.co…