JJ Redick praises Walker Kessler's fit with Lakers alongside Doncic and Reaves
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 24, 2026, 11:14 PM
Last updated Sep 24, 2026
At a press conference on September 24, Lakers head coach JJ Redick expressed enthusiasm for the team's acquisition of center Walker Kessler. Redick highlighted Kessler's potential to enhance on-court dynamics with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, particularly in rim protection and offensive play. Kessler was acquired via a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz after the Lakers prioritized re-signing Reaves this offseason. Despite a limited previous season due to injury, Kessler showed significant promise with averages of 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds in his appearances. Redick noted that Kessler could help reshape Lakers' defensive strategies, similar to how Victor Wembanyama is utilized by the Spurs.
- •JJ Redick views Kessler as a perfect match for Doncic and Reaves.
- •Kessler was acquired from the Jazz in a sign-and-trade deal.
- •He averaged 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds despite a limited season.
- •Redick aims to use Kessler to enhance the Lakers' rim protection.
- •Kessler's skills may allow for strategic defensive changes.
- 11:14 PMYahoo Sports — Lakers news: JJ Redick gushes over Walker Kessler‘s ‘perfect fit’ with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves
"LOS ANGELES – For the past couple of seasons, it’s seemed like the biggest need for the Los Angeles Lakers has been a consistent starting-caliber center. Even when Anthony Davis was here, he made it clear he had wanted another big man alongside him in the starting lineup. This offseason, Lakers brass believes they’ve found their man in Walker […] The post Lakers news: JJ Redick gushes over Walker Kessler‘s ‘perfect fit’ with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves appeared first on ClutchPoints.
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