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The s made their one huge transfer of the offseason by touchdown Walker Kessler, an All-Rookie choice again in 2022-23. Kessler has been an excellent participant all through his profession, and sneakily, does some issues that folks aren't even speaking about.
His shot-blocking has been apparent all through the primary 4 seasons of his profession, averaging 2.4 per sport.
He's additionally a wonderful offensive rebounder, main the league with 4.6 per sport in 2024-25. In 2025-26, he didn't lead the league, however he nonetheless averaged 4.6 offensive rebounds per sport.
That alone will assist the Lakers make an enormous offensive affect, although the argument is that he's a a lot better defender than an offensive participant.
For Los Angeles, which additionally landed Kevon Looney and Sandro Mamukelashvili, it's truthful to say the group wants to enhance defensively behind Kessler.
Sadly, it doesn't sound like that's going to be simple to do. Per the newest report, that's one of many greatest issues because the Lakers strategy the commerce deadline over the following couple of months.
“I feel the aim for the Lakers forward of the commerce deadline must be to accumulate the kind of huge that may’t — it’s not going to duplicate what Kessler does — however are you able to at the very least be nearer to the Kessler facet of the ledger than what Mamu and Kevon Looney do defensively?” Jovan Buha d, H/T Heavy.
Loads has to play out over the following few months, because the common season hasn't even began but. The Lakers appear to be in a fairly good place proper now to seek out wins.
Nevertheless, if Los Angeles isn't cautious with its middle scenario, particularly with Looney and Mamukelashvili, the group will face issues in that regard.
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