Nearly one month into the current NBA season, center Walker Kessler is proving his value to the Los Angeles Lakers after a high-profile offseason acquisition.
The team secured the 7-foot-2 player through a sign-and-trade deal involving two first-round picks and two pick swaps with the Utah Jazz, as detailed by “the Los Angeles Lakers trade reporting.”
Kessler has rewarded that investment by averaging 14.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game while shooting 67.5 percent from the field.
Despite these strong interior statistics, the center is looking to improve his ability to facilitate for teammates, according to “Lakers Nation reporting.”
Kessler currently averages 1.8 assists per game and has recorded at least three assists in each of his last three appearances.
Following a 123-112 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks, the big man acknowledged that he must become more reliable when handling the ball in traffic, as noted by “the Yahoo Sports article.”
“I gotta do a lot better job I can tell you that,” Kessler said regarding his ball security.
He added that he frequently experiences issues with the ball being stripped when he holds it too low.
“I’m getting the ball stripped from me too much when I hold the ball low,” Kessler stated.
The Lakers coaching staff continues to utilize Kessler in frequent pick-and-roll sequences to help the offensive flow.
Improving his decision-making out of the post and during short rolls could further enhance the team’s scoring efficiency.
Beyond his offensive development, Kessler has been a defensive anchor, forcing misses and limiting penetration to the rim.
His contributions have helped the franchise secure an 11-2 record and a current seven-game winning streak.
The team is now preparing to conclude a four-game road trip this Sunday with a matchup against the Phoenix Suns, per “Lakers Wire coverage.”