Defense has been a problem in recent seasons for Lakerswhich are counted on Walker Kessler to turn them on the other end of the court, writes Law Murray of The Athletic. Los Angeles made a significant investment in the 7’2″ center this summer, sending a package of future first-round picks to Utah in a sign-and-trade deal and giving him a four-year contract worth nearly $130 million. He was Luka DoncicA preferred choice as the team went shopping for the big man.
“I played a lot of games against Walker, so it was always difficult to play against him.” – said Doncic. “So, I really wanted him. I think the organization wanted him – I wanted him, all the players wanted him. I think it’s an amazing fit for us.”
Murray notes that the Lakers finished 20th in defensive efficiency last season, second-worst among playoff teams, but were at least average by some measures. The glaring flaw has been rim protection, where Kesler should be a major difference-maker.
“I think it changes the way we plan in general,” the coach Jay Jay Reddick said. “Not to go into too much detail, but you guys obviously watched the playoffs. You probably have a basic idea of how San Antonio used (Victor Wembanyama) and kept it low and kept it near the basket.’
More on the Lakers:
- The team plans to use its non-taxpayer mid-level exception next summer to add a “starter-level ice player,” reporter Johan Buha says on the latest episode of his Buha’s Block podcast (Link to YouTubehat tip to BasketNews). Perhaps the money will be spent on maintenance Colin Sexton if he shows he can fill that role, Buha adds. Sexton, who was signed as a free agent, has a player option of $9.8 million for 2027/28.
- Marcus Smart recently said he left the Lakers because their offer was “disrespectful”, and Bukha reports that Los Angeles offered fewer years and less money than he wanted. Buha said the Lakers will miss the “intangibles” that Smart provided in his lone season with the team, noting that he was valuable both offensively and defensively.
- Doncic believes that the team will benefit from the addition Sandro Mamukelashviliwho was added in free agency after a strong season with Toronto, relay Jonny Askovnis of Eurohoops. “I knew what kind of player he was. Obviously I played against him, but I think just his ability to have the ball and see the field, some of his passing I think is very underrated.” – said Doncic. “That’s what impressed me the most.”