Sports · Basketball · 4 hrs ago
Lakers Count on Walker Kessler to Improve Their Defense
The Los Angeles Lakers acquired center Walker Kessler from Utah in a sign-and-trade this summer.
They gave him a four-year contract worth nearly $130 million and sent Utah future first-round picks.
The team hopes Kessler will improve its defense, especially its ability to protect the basket.
The Lakers ranked 20th in defensive efficiency last season, and rim protection was a major weakness.
Coach JJ Redick said Kessler’s presence could change how the team sets up its defense.
The Lakers also plan to use their mid-level exception next summer to pursue a starting-level wing, and Collin Sexton could be considered for that role.
The Lakers are counting on center Walker Kessler to improve a defense that struggled in recent seasons.
Los Angeles acquired Kessler from Utah in a sign-and-trade deal this summer and gave him a four-year contract worth nearly $130 million.
The Lakers ranked 20th in defensive efficiency last season and had a particular weakness in rim protection.
Luka Doncic said he wanted Kessler, while coach JJ Redick said the center could change how the team schemes.
- Who
- The Los Angeles Lakers and center Walker Kessler.
- What
- The Lakers are counting on Kessler to improve their defense, especially their rim protection.
- When
- Kessler joined the Lakers this summer.
- Where
- Los Angeles.
- Why
- The Lakers struggled defensively, particularly with rim protection.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
I played a lot of games against Walker, so it was always tough to play against him
I think it changes how we scheme overall
The Lakers ranked 20th in defensive efficiency and had a notable weakness in rim protection.
The Lakers acquired Kessler from Utah in a sign-and-trade deal and gave him a four-year contract.
- Defensive efficiency
- 20th last season
- Kessler’s contract
- Four years, worth nearly $130 million
- Kessler’s height
- 7 feet 2 inches
- Trade partner
- Utah
Sources
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