Story by
JJ Redick Admits He Is Concerned About Walker Kessler’s Rebounding
- Story by
- JJ Redick Admits He Is Concerned About Walker Kessler’s Rebounding
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Walker Kessler has had a fine start to his Los Angeles Lakers career, but head coach JJ Redick sees room for improvement. In his press conference before the Lakers' 103-87 win over the Los Angeles Clippers at the Intuit Dome, Redick pointed to Kessler having to rebound better.
"Well, I think where he can continue to grow with us, if you look at per-36 numbers, per-minute numbers, he's not rebounding at the rate, and obviously that's a area of concern for us right now," Redick said, via Infanity TV. "So, need him to be better, particularly on the defensive glass."
Advertisement
"I think one of the things that I always think about with really good rebounders, I remember my rookie year, BJ Armstrong was a agent at Wasserman at the time and came down to Orlando to check on me," Redick continued. "We're having dinner after the game, and he was talking about Dwight [Howard], and he said, 'You know what Dwight's superpower is?'
"I said, 'No, I don't,'" Redick added. "And he said, 'He can rebound outside his space. He can rebound outside his airspace.' And I've seen Walker do it. That's where I think he can give us the biggest boost right now."
Redick played alongside one of the best rebounders of his generation, Dwight Howard , on the Orlando Magic . The 6'10" Howard won five rebounding titles in his career and was a menace on the glass.
Redick believes Kessler has that kind of ability as well. The 25-year-old went on to put up 11 points (4-7 FG), nine rebounds, one assist, two steals, and one block against the Clippers.
Advertisement
Kessler is now averaging 14.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game for the Lakers in 2026-27. He hasn't recorded a single double-double so far and is at 9.7 rebounds per 36 minutes, a career-low. Kessler was notably never under 11.5 rebounds per 36 in any of his first four seasons in the NBA with the Utah Jazz , and Redick wants improvement.
The Lakers have done a lot of things well this season to get to 4-1, but rebounding isn't one of them. They had their best showing of the season on the glass against the Clippers with 48 rebounds, but remain the worst rebounding team in the NBA.
The Lakers are averaging just 38.0 rebounds per game in 2026-27, and the Phoenix Suns (39.7) are the only other team under 40.0. This is not a recipe for success.
Kessler, the No. 22 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has to be the one leading the turnaround. We saw Shaquille O'Neal name him the best center in the NBA after his Lakers debut against the Golden State Warriors .
Advertisement
Luka Doncic also praised Kessler for silencing his doubters , who felt two first-round picks, two first-round pick swaps, and a four-year, $130 million deal was too much for him. If the rebounding issues persist for the team, some of those doubters will start speaking up again.
We'll see Kessler and the Lakers in action next against the Warriors at Chase Center on Friday at 10 p.m. ET. It's a frontcourt he dominated in the season opener, and you'd expect a repeat.
