Walker Kessler Discussion: Rim Protector And Lob Threat

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

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  1. ElginTheGreat

    ElginTheGreat - Lakers Legend -

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    I do like adding Kessler in and of itself. We needed a center and he was the best available.
     
    ElginTheGreat, Jul 1, 2026 at 9:09 AM
    #21
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  2. tada

    tada - Lakers All Star -

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    Yeah, I like him better than Duren for the make up of this team. We needed a defensive anchor.
     
    tada, Jul 1, 2026 at 9:17 AM
    #22
  3. Weezy

    Weezy Moderator Staff Member

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    We need one even more now with 3 stiffs in our starting lineup. Poor Kessler is going to be asked to perform miracles protecting the rim.
     
    Weezy, Jul 1, 2026 at 9:19 AM
    #23
  4. karacha

    karacha Moderator Staff Member

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    Excellent signing. The front court should be good and we got younger. I’d also say grittier, but again… losing Smart hurts.
     
    karacha, Jul 1, 2026 at 9:44 AM
    #24
  5. Toklat

    Toklat - Lakers Starter -

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    The Lakers are back!
     
    Toklat, Jul 1, 2026 at 9:50 AM
    #25
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  6. Astros

    Astros - Rookie -

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    My concern is how Keon Ellis + Smart got $15 million combined.

    Is that not better than Grimes? I think Carr can develop into a Grimes-type player so not exactly a necessary signing IMO.

    Keon Ellis + Smart running the perimeter defense and funneling that to Walker Kessler would make a lot more sense. But it is what it is at this point.
     
    Astros, Jul 1, 2026 at 9:50 AM
    #26
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  7. abeer3

    abeer3 - Lakers Legend -

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    wrong thread, but this is probably my biggest gripe.

    as for kessler, i was prepared to pay him the max and probably spend a first for the privilege. if we sent out 2 firsts, I wanted to move some salary, but i guess beggars couldn't be choosers. we would have traded all the firsts for kessler last year, happily. gleefully.
     
    abeer3, Jul 1, 2026 at 10:43 AM
    #27
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  8. JDLakersFan2019

    JDLakersFan2019 - Rookie -

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    What a horrible overpay. Man I can’t stand Rob Pelinka.
     
    JDLakersFan2019, Jul 1, 2026 at 12:16 PM
    #28
  9. Juronimo

    Juronimo - Lakers Starter -

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    I know nothing about Kessler. Can he protect the rim? Is he a lob threat? Can he space the floor? Is he athletic?
     
    Juronimo, Jul 1, 2026 at 1:30 PM
    #29
  10. Weezy

    Weezy Moderator Staff Member

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    He’s going to have to earn that money immediately wow



    Yes. Yes. Maybe at some point, he started making some corner threes last year in a handful of games, but he’s not a stretch big as of now. He’s not NOT athletic, but I mean he’s huge, so he’s going to be relatively slower. I don’t think he’s like a big lumbering stiff, but not the best athlete in the world. I guess relatively athletic for his size/position?
     
    Weezy, Jul 1, 2026 at 1:36 PM
    #30
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  11. KuzmoBall17

    KuzmoBall17 - Lakers All Star -

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    He played for USA team at world cup,and because of Kerr love for small ball s*** , he did not get a lot of playing time
    But back to your question yes ,yes ,yes and yes
     
    KuzmoBall17, Jul 1, 2026 at 1:37 PM
    #31
  12. ADKOBE

    ADKOBE - Lakers 6th Man -

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    The Lakers are back!
     
    ADKOBE, Jul 1, 2026 at 1:41 PM
    #32
  13. Juronimo

    Juronimo - Lakers Starter -

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    Why did he only 5 games last year? Why passed on the Charlotte center due to potential injury. What's the deal there?
     
    Juronimo, Jul 1, 2026 at 1:41 PM
    #33
  14. Weezy

    Weezy Moderator Staff Member

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    He had a torn labrum in his shoulder, had surgery on it. I wouldn’t be surprised if he could have actually come back and play some, but the Jazz were tanking, so they likely said just sit out the year.
     
    Weezy, Jul 1, 2026 at 1:45 PM
    #34
  15. pika1708

    pika1708 - Lakers All Star -

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    He injured his shoulder and Utah was committed to lose. He doesn't seem to have any lingering injury, to my knowledge
     
    pika1708, Jul 1, 2026 at 1:46 PM
    #35
  16. Kou

    Kou - Lakers 6th Man -

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    That is mental, 2 picks and two swaps? For Kessler, Christ.
     
    Kou, Jul 1, 2026 at 1:55 PM
    #36
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