Originally published by LakersNation.com
One of the main priorities for the Los Angeles Lakers front office this summer was finding a top-tier center to pair with Luka Doncic, and they believe they did that in trading for Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz.
Doncic has always been best when working with a lob threat, and Kessler gives them that in addition to a true defensive anchor and rim protector on the other end.
“It’ll be a very big part of the offense,” Kessler said of throwing down dunks on passes from Doncic during his availability at Lakers media day.
The two already began to develop chemistry on that front thanks to Doncic hosting a minicamp in his native country.
“It was in Slovenia, when we went there, caught the first lob,” Kessler recalled. “I don’t even think he was looking at me and he kind of just threw it and I was there. I’ve heard a lot of people say that about playing with him. Caught it, dunked it, ran back down, high five and I was like ‘Yup, I can get used to this.’”
Kessler is in line to get a lot easy buckets and big dunks just by rolling hard to the rim on Doncic pick-and-rolls. That will likely also be the case with Austin Reaves, who is no stranger to finding bigs with his own highlight-reel level lobs.
Of course, the main focus for Kessler is being that eraser defensively and deterring shots at the rim, but he will also be extremely important for the Lakers on the offensive end.
Just having that threat of him rolling to the rim opens things up for Doncic and Reaves to either get their own shot, or find open shooters in the corners if they have to help off their man to stop the big man from getting an easy bucket.
By setting good, solid screens and being a strong rim-runner, Kessler can make a big impact for this Lakers offense as they look to be one of the best in the league this season. And there is no doubt Doncic will be looking his way plenty for some big-time lobs all season long.
JJ Redick excited for Walker Kessler trade
Head coach JJ Redick is also very excited about what Kessler will bring to the Lakers, calling him a perfect fit for Doncic and Reaves while lauding how his addition will change how the Lakers can play defense.
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One of the main priorities for the Los Angeles Lakers front office this summer was finding a top-tier center to pair with Luka Doncic, and they believe they did that in trading for Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz.
Doncic has always been best when working with a lob threat, and Kessler gives them that in addition to a true defensive anchor and rim protector on the other end.
“It’ll be a very big part of the offense,” Kessler said of throwing down dunks on passes from Doncic during his availability at Lakers media day.
The two already began to develop chemistry on that front thanks to Doncic hosting a minicamp in his native country.
“It was in Slovenia, when we went there, caught the first lob,” Kessler recalled. “I don’t even think he was looking at me and he kind of just threw it and I was there. I’ve heard a lot of people say that about playing with him. Caught it, dunked it, ran back down, high five and I was like ‘Yup, I can get used to this.’”
Kessler is in line to get a lot easy buckets and big dunks just by rolling hard to the rim on Doncic pick-and-rolls. That will likely also be the case with Austin Reaves, who is no stranger to finding bigs with his own highlight-reel level lobs.
Of course, the main focus for Kessler is being that eraser defensively and deterring shots at the rim, but he will also be extremely important for the Lakers on the offensive end.
Just having that threat of him rolling to the rim opens things up for Doncic and Reaves to either get their own shot, or find open shooters in the corners if they have to help off their man to stop the big man from getting an easy bucket.
By setting good, solid screens and being a strong rim-runner, Kessler can make a big impact for this Lakers offense as they look to be one of the best in the league this season. And there is no doubt Doncic will be looking his way plenty for some big-time lobs all season long.
JJ Redick excited for Walker Kessler trade
Head coach JJ Redick is also very excited about what Kessler will bring to the Lakers, calling him a perfect fit for Doncic and Reaves while lauding how his addition will change how the Lakers can play defense.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!