Walker Kessler Discussion: Rim Protector And Lob Threat

Discussion in 'Lakers Discussion' started by KareemtheGreat33, Jul 1, 2026 at 8:34 AM.

  1. JSM

    JSM - Lakers Legend -

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    Luka has turned bums into centers who can look like a starter. With a very good center, agree on the top 5 defensive big ranking, he can make that guy an all-star assuming we can win enough games.





    I love the addition, best fitting big of anyone who was available via signing or trade this summer.

    The injuries don't really concern me, Utah got fined for sitting guys and were pushing players to get cosmetic surgery...any reason for them to stack losses.

    The cost is brutal to get him. That puts some big time expectations on him. I think he could live up to it, if Rob could build a proper roster. Unfortunately we're currently asking him to be the entire defense. Pull him from the roster and this is a bottom 5 defense, he has to singlehandedly make that into a middle of the road defense for this team to be a playoff team. The size of the ask defensively is going to take a toll on what he could be doing on offense.
     
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  2. TIME

    TIME Administrator Staff Member

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    I'm not at all concerned about Kessler getting played off the floor in the playoffs like Gobert. The Frenchman has zero offensive game and refuses to ever leave the paint. Kessler actually has really nice touch around the basket and was starting to develop a legit three ball. He was 6 of 8 from three before his injury last year.

    My only concern about Kessler is can he stay healthy, but I'm used to that after years of AD.
     
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  3. tada

    tada - Lakers All Star -

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    Not worried about him missing time at all. His shoulder injury was nagging since his years in high school. It was due for a surgery sooner than later. He doesn't have a history of lower body injuries, which is a positive outlook for a center.

    Getting a Top 3 rim protector is so incredibly valuable. Both historical and modern data show that interior anchors remain the most important role for championship-caliber defenses. As Wemby and Gobert has shown, rim protection is vastly more important than perimeter defense. Honestly Luka and Austin aren't as bad as some folks think they are.
     
  4. svtzr

    svtzr - Lakers All Star -

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    I’m less concerned offensively. I’m more concerned defensively. If teams play 5 out, Kessler isn’t a defender in space. That’s why Gobert gets played off the floor.

    How effective is he, if he gets dragged out to defend a 3pt catch and shoot guy?

    I’m excited for him though.
     
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  5. 432J

    432J - Lakers All Star -

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    his dad was also drafted by the clippers in the 80s but never played in the nba
     
  6. Julio

    Julio - Rookie -

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    a basketball sicko

    I have super high hopes for this guy this year. I think Reaves and Luka will get the best out of him
     
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  7. Toklat

    Toklat - Lakers Starter -

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    All-star level player. He is going to get the best out of them...lol.
     
  8. Julio

    Julio - Rookie -

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    I think we slot in Ben Simmons at the 4 as well. Some extra D and finishing capability, some passing, some rebounding. Doesn't need to play a major role, so it doesn't matter if he's recovering mentally or not. He has size and skill and would possibly come cheap.
     
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