Lakers’ Walker Kessler already knows his role alongside Luka Doncic

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Lakers’ Walker Kessler already knows his role alongside Luka Doncic

Rexwell Villas, ClutchPoints · ClutchPoints

Tue, Jul 14, 2026 ·

2 min read

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Los Angeles Lakers newcomer Walker Kessler can't wait to share the floor with Luka Doncic .

Kessler never had a teammate of Doncic's caliber during his years with the Utah Jazz , but he's now about to benefit from playing with the former NBA scoring champion — and vice versa. The former Auburn Tigers star big man is already beginning to envision his role alongside Doncic.

"[Doncic] has such a big presence on the court," Kessler said about the prospect of playing with the Slovenian superstar (h/t Ben Golliver of ESPN).

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"It makes it a lot easier for all four guys around him to do what they need to do. I can play defense for him, set great screens and get him some assists. It's going to be a lot of fun. I've never played with a point guard of that kind of size and stature to where he's just a matchup nightmare."

The Lakers entered the offseason seeking a big man. They had Deandre Ayton but wanted an upgrade in the frontcourt, deciding to trade him to the Washington Wizards and then moving in to acquire Kessler from the Jazz .

Kessler, who is about to turn 25 years old on July 26, played in only five games in the 2025-26 season, as he was held back by a left shoulder that needed surgery. But he looks to be ready to give it a go right on the opening night for the Lakers in the coming season.

Selected 22nd overall in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies , Kessler sports career averages of 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 2.4 blocks through 201 games in the NBA.

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