Sports · Basketball · 17 hrs ago
Lakers center Walker Kessler nears preseason debut after full practice
Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler took part in a full practice Sunday after a left pinkie injury had limited him since the start of training camp.
The Lakers acquired Kessler from the Utah Jazz in July in a sign-and-trade and signed him to a four-year, $130 million contract.
He missed all but five games last season after surgery on his left shoulder.
Kessler said he wants to play, but is following guidance from the team’s medical and coaching staff.
The Lakers have two preseason games left: Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas and Friday against the Denver Nuggets at home.
Coach JJ Redick has not decided whether Kessler will play Tuesday, but said he expects him to get some live play this week.
The Lakers brought him in to strengthen a defense that ranked 19th in the league last season.
Walker Kessler took part fully in a Lakers practice Sunday for the first time since injuring his left pinkie during training camp.
The center is nearing his preseason debut, but coach JJ Redick has not said whether he will play Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors.
Kessler said the finger had limited him for precautionary reasons and that he was ready to play.
The Lakers acquired Kessler from the Utah Jazz in July in a sign-and-trade and signed him to a four-year, $130 million contract.
He missed all but five games for the Jazz last season after surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
- Who
- Walker Kessler, the Los Angeles Lakers center.
- What
- He completed a full practice and is nearing his preseason debut.
- When
- Sunday, October 11, 2026; the report says he could play in a preseason game Tuesday.
- Where
- El Segundo, California.
- Why
- His preseason availability had been limited by a jammed left pinkie finger, which he said was being managed for precautionary reasons.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Fully went today in practice, felt great.
A lot can happen in 48 hours.
I'm ready to play, but I trust the staff and I trust the trainers, the coaches and front office, you know? So yeah, just listening to them right now.
Kessler jammed his left pinkie finger on the backboard while attempting to block a shot.
Kessler took part fully in practice for the first time since the injury.
The Lakers are scheduled to play the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas, but Redick did not commit to Kessler playing.
The Lakers are scheduled to host the Denver Nuggets in a preseason game.
- Practice
- Full participant on Sunday for the first time since the injury
- Injury
- Jammed left pinkie finger
- Contract
- Four years, $130 million
- Trade
- Lakers acquired Kessler from the Utah Jazz in July
- Preseason record
- Lakers had gone 2-1 without Kessler
- Past season
- Missed all but five games for the Jazz in 2025-26
Sources
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