Walker Kessler Impresses in Lakers Preseason Return as Warriors Win 101-89

LAS VEGAS: Walker Kessler made a successful Lakers preseason return in his first competitive game since October, posting 11 points, nine rebounds, a block and a steal in just 16 minutes, even as the Los Angeles Lakers lost 101-89 to the Golden State Warriors at T-Mobile Arena on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old centre played his first game since October 31 last year. He played only the first half on a minutes restriction, yet his influence was clear: the Lakers outscored the Warriors by 15 points during his time on court, and were outscored by 27 in the 32 minutes he sat out.

Walker Kessler’s Lakers preseason return after a year out

Kessler had not played since representing the Utah Jazz last October. He underwent season-ending surgery in November to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, a setback that wiped out the remainder of his campaign.

He joined the Lakers through a sign-and-trade deal, but his comeback hit another bump in training camp when he jammed his left little finger while attempting to block a shot. That kept him out of the Lakers’ first three preseason games, making the Warriors fixture his first outing in nearly a year.

Before the game, Kessler admitted feeling nervous about the return. Afterwards, he sounded relieved. “It was a lot of fun being out there again,” he said.

Instant impact at both ends

Kessler scored his 11 points on four-of-six shooting, a tidy return for limited minutes. He also grabbed nine rebounds, many of them in traffic, and added a block and a steal, showing the two-way activity that has defined his game.

The on-court numbers told the story of the night. With Kessler on the floor, the Lakers were plus-15. Without him, they were minus-27. It was only one preseason game, but the contrast showed how much of a difference a fit centre made.

What his return means for the Lakers’ centre rotation

The preseason exists for experiments, and the Lakers clearly used this game to test what Kessler gives them at the centre spot. The answer was encouraging: a mobile big man who runs the floor, cleans the glass and protects the rim.

After a year out with shoulder surgery and then a training-camp finger injury, the Lakers handled the comeback carefully, limiting him to the first half. That cautious approach suggests the plan is to build his minutes gradually rather than rush him.

For a Lakers side that has long needed reliable minutes at centre, a healthy Kessler offers exactly that: rebounding, rim protection and efficient finishing inside. One preseason half does not decide a rotation, but Redick now has real evidence to work with as the regular season approaches.

Redick’s verdict

Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised Kessler’s performance after the game, singling out his movement, rebounding and defensive presence.

“I think he’s a great fit for our team,” Redick said. He added that Kessler ran the floor well, crashed the boards and protected the rim, calling it a really good first half from the centre.

The Lakers still lost the game 101-89, a reminder that one strong individual return does not fix everything. But for Kessler, the night was about something simpler: he was back playing basketball.

Kessler’s return gives the Lakers a genuine rim protector behind their stars as the regular season approaches.

*Source: Geo Super*

Frequently asked questions

How long was Walker Kessler out of action?

Kessler had not played since October 31 last year, when he represented the Utah Jazz. He underwent season-ending surgery in November to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, then missed the Lakers’ first three preseason games with a jammed finger.

What were Walker Kessler’s stats against the Warriors?

He scored 11 points on four-of-six shooting, grabbed nine rebounds, blocked one shot and recorded one steal in 16 minutes during the first half, playing on a minutes restriction.

What did the plus-minus numbers show?

The Lakers outscored the Warriors by 15 points during Kessler’s 16 minutes on court, but were outscored by 27 points in the 32 minutes he spent on the bench.

What did JJ Redick say about Kessler?

The Lakers head coach said Kessler was a great fit for the team, praising his running of the floor, rebounding in traffic and rim protection after the preseason debut.

Who won the preseason game between the Lakers and Warriors?

The Golden State Warriors beat the Los Angeles Lakers 101-89 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Tuesday, October 13.