NBAOct 11
Lakers Center Kessler Nears Return to Preseason Action
The 7-foot-2 big man participated fully in practice after dealing with a left pinkie issue and is set to see action soon.
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Injury Recovery and Practice Progress
Walker Kessler took part in a full practice session for the first time since early in training camp. The center had jammed his left pinkie on the backboard during a block attempt. He described the decision to limit his activity as precautionary and noted that the finger felt good after going through the complete session. Kessler spent additional time after practice working on free throws and jump hooks.
Acquisition Details and Team Context
The Lakers obtained Kessler from the Utah Jazz through a sign-and-trade that included two future unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps along with a four-year, $130 million contract. The team has posted a 2-1 record in the preseason without him and has two exhibition games left. Kessler missed all but five games in 2025-26 after undergoing surgery in November to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
Upcoming Schedule and Coaching Outlook
The remaining exhibition contests are set for Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas and Friday at home against the Denver Nuggets. Coach JJ Redick indicated that decisions about playing time would depend on how Kessler feels over the next 48 hours and declined to commit to a Tuesday appearance. Redick has not yet settled on a starting lineup for the regular-season opener in 10 days due to multiple training-camp injuries. Kessler was acquired in part to strengthen a defense that ranked No. 19 in defensive rating among 30 teams last season, and he has averaged 9.5 points while shooting 68.1 percent from the field over four seasons.
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