The Lakers got their headline addition of the offseason in Walker Kessler, but the bigger question now is what they do around him.
Kessler, an All-Rookie selection in 2022-23, has already built a reputation as a force inside. His rim protection has been a calling card from the start, with 2.4 blocks per game over the first four seasons of his career. He’s also shown a knack for creating extra chances on the glass, leading the league with 4.6 offensive rebounds per game in 2024-25 and still posting 4.6 per game in 2025-26 even without finishing first.
That kind of production gives Los Angeles real value on the offensive end, but the bigger storyline is still his defense. The Lakers clearly see him as the anchor of the group, especially after adding Kevon Looney and Sandro Mamukelashvili to the mix.
And that’s where the concern starts.
According to the latest reporting, the Lakers’ biggest challenge heading toward the trade deadline is finding another big man who can help defensively without asking for Kessler-level impact. As Jovan Buha put it, “I think the goal for the Lakers ahead of the trade deadline should be to acquire the type of big that can’t - it’s not going to replicate what Kessler does - but can you at least be closer to the Kessler side of the ledger than what Mamu and Kevon Looney do defensively?”
There’s still plenty of season left to sort through it. The regular season hasn’t even started, and the Lakers are in a position where wins still feel within reach. But if the frontcourt rotation doesn’t hold up, especially with Looney and Mamukelashvili, the center spot could become a real issue before long.
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Lakers Opening Night Lineup Battle Just Got A Lot More Interesting
The Lakers opening-night picture is starting to take shape, at least in the eyes of one well-connected observer, and the latest projection has added a fresh layer to the competition. John Ireland floated a potential starting five that would include Quentin Grimes, Ziaire Williams, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler, a grouping that would bring together shot-making, size and defensive length if it were to hold up. It is still only a projection based on Irelands report and back-channel information, not an official decision from the Lakers or coach JJ Redick.
Williams status is the detail that makes the conversation more interesting, because he recently returned to full practice after dealing with a foot issue. That alone gives him a real chance to factor into the opening-night mix, especially if the team wants to see how his fit looks alongside Doncic and Reaves before settling on anything permanent. For now, the early competition is still open, but the idea of Williams pushing for a starting role has made the lineup battle worth watching a little more closely. [Read more 🡒]
Lakers Get A Different Warriors Test Than Anyone Expected Opening Night
The Lakers are about to get a very different kind of opening-night look from the Warriors than they might have expected a few months ago. Golden State spent the offseason adding veteran help in Brandon Williams and Georges Niang on one-year deals, and head coach Steve Kerr has already confirmed both will be on the roster and in the rotation when the season opens.
For Los Angeles, that matters because the Warriors are trying to shore up their second unit while injuries have thinned out parts of the lineup. Charles Bassey is also slated to be in that opener rotation, giving Golden State a deeper and more experienced bench group than the Lakers may have been preparing for when the schedule first came out. [Read more 🡒]
Lakers Are Fueling A Bronny Debate They Can't Ignore
Bronny James remains a point of discussion around the Lakers as the organization reportedly stays optimistic about his long-term development and intends to keep him on the roster even after LeBron James move to Philadelphia. For a team that has spent plenty of time trying to balance immediate expectations with future planning, Bronnys place in the picture is getting harder to overlook, especially with his role still taking shape.
The on-court case has not helped quiet the debate. Bronny has had a tough time making a noticeable impact through his first two NBA seasons, and his preseason play has done little to change the conversation. Some fans are now wondering whether the Lakers continued belief in him is being driven as much by marketing appeal as by actual production, leaving the team with a storyline it can no longer shrug off. [Read more 🡒]