League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Walker Kessler prepares for Lakers season opener against Warriors

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 21, 2026, 1:36 AM

Last updated Oct 21, 2026

Walker Kessler prepares for Lakers season opener against Warriors

Summary

Walker Kessler is set to make his return to the NBA on Wednesday as the Los Angeles Lakers host the Golden State Warriors in their season opener. Kessler, who missed significant time due to shoulder surgery, discussed the pressure of being a Laker after Tuesday’s practice. The team traded multiple future draft picks and signed him to a four-year contract extension this summer. Kessler aims to complement Luka Dončić and will seek to establish himself as a defensive anchor for the Lakers. His performance in the preseason showed promise, with notable stats in limited action against the Warriors.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Kessler makes his NBA return on October 21.
•Lakers traded for Kessler and signed him to a four-year extension.
•Team faces Warriors in season opener.
•Kessler previously underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.
•He tallied 11 points and 9 rebounds in preseason action.

Latest Updates

1:36 AMYahoo Sports — Walker Kessler Embracing Lofty Laker Expectations

What they're saying

"
Walker Kessler understands. He knows what the standard is as a Los Angeles Laker. He knows what the team gave up—then committed on the books—to pair him with Luka Dončić. “It’s just depending on how you look at it,” Walker said after Tuesday’s practice. “You can look at it from two perspectives and I think […] The post Walker Kessler Embracing Lofty Laker Expectations appeared first on LA Sports Report.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Denver Nuggets Los Angeles Lakers Utah Jazz NBA Basketball