Sports · Basketball · 8 hrs ago
Walker Kessler impresses in Lakers preseason debut despite loss to Warriors
The Los Angeles Lakers lost 101-89 to the Golden State Warriors in a preseason game in Las Vegas on Tuesday.
Lakers center Walker Kessler scored 11 points and grabbed nine rebounds in his first game for the team.
He also had a block and a steal in 16 minutes, all in the first half.
Kessler had been out for 347 days after left shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum.
The Lakers acquired him in an offseason sign-and-trade and gave him a four-year, $130 million contract, along with future draft picks.
Coach JJ Redick wants Kessler to play with relentless effort on both ends of the court.
Kessler could play in two more preseason games before the Lakers open the regular season against the Warriors on Oct.
22.
Walker Kessler made his preseason debut for the Los Angeles Lakers in a 101-89 loss to the Golden State Warriors.
Kessler recorded 11 points, nine rebounds, one block and one steal in 16 minutes, playing only in the first half.
Lakers coach JJ Redick praised Kessler’s performance and said he expects him to play relentlessly.
Luka Doncic sat out because of rest, while four other Lakers were sidelined with day-to-day injuries.
- Who
- The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. Walker Kessler made his Lakers preseason debut.
- What
- The Warriors beat the Lakers 101-89 in a preseason game.
- When
- Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
- Where
- Las Vegas.
- Why
- The teams were playing a preseason game. The sources do not state a specific reason for the game.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Kessler last appeared in an NBA game for the Utah Jazz.
Kessler underwent season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
Kessler made his Lakers preseason debut in a 101-89 loss to the Warriors.
The Lakers were scheduled to begin the regular season against the Warriors.
- Final score
- Warriors 101, Lakers 89
- Kessler's points
- 11
- Kessler's rebounds
- 9
- Time played
- 16 minutes
- Regular-season opener
- Oct. 22 against the Warriors
6 sources
Warriors win over Lakers in Vegas, 101-89
Kessler impresses in Lakers preseason debut as Redick emphasizes being 'relentless'
What people are saying
I mean, it was a lot of fun being out there again,
I think he's a great fit for our team,
The word I've used with him, the challenge, is just being relentless,
He's an amazing rim protector.
Posts on X
Throw it down, Walker 💪
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