Walker Kessler Impresses in First Lakers Appearance During Preseason Loss to Warriors

Walker Kessler recorded 11 points and nine rebounds in the first half of the Lakers' 101-89 preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors.

Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler finished with 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting, nine rebounds, one block, and one steal in a 101-89 preseason loss to the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. Playing only in the first half, Kessler helped the Lakers outscore the Warriors by 15 points during his 16 minutes on the court. In contrast, Golden State outscored Los Angeles by 27 points during the 32 minutes Kessler remained on the bench.

Tuesday’s appearance marked Kessler’s first NBA game in 347 days, following a torn labrum in his left shoulder suffered while playing for the Utah Jazz in October 2023. The 25-year-old joined the Lakers via an offseason sign-and-trade involving a four-year, $130 million contract, two future unprotected first-round picks, and two pick swaps. Although he missed the first three preseason games due to a jammed left pinkie finger, he is expected to be available for Friday’s exhibition against the Denver Nuggets.

Lakers guard Austin Reaves led the team with 28 points and seven assists, while forward Sandro Mamukelashvili added 10 points and seven rebounds. The Lakers played without Luka Doncic, Cameron Carr, Ziaire Williams, Adou Thiero, and Collin Sexton. Following Kessler's exit at halftime, the Lakers were outscored 51-26 in the second half and committed 18 total turnovers, including four from Bronny James and three from Chris Manon. The Lakers are scheduled to open the regular season against the Warriors on Oct. 22.