Walker Kessler knows exactly how much the Lakers gave up to bring him to Los Angeles, and he says he’s determined to repay that faith every time he steps on the floor.
The seven-foot-two center arrived in Los Angeles earlier this month on a four-year, $130 million contract as part of a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz. To land one of the offseason’s most sought-after restricted free agents, the Lakers also parted with two unprotected first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps.
For Kessler, that level of commitment means everything.
“It makes you feel a certain way when you know an organization believes in you,” Kessler said. “With what [the Lakers] have invested, they’re showing that belief, in a monetary value. Not just with money, but in [draft] assets. If I know they have that belief in me, I’m going to run through a brick wall for them. That’s how I’ve been wired my whole life.”
Kessler is expected to play a key role alongside Luka Doncic, giving the Lakers the interior presence they were searching for on both ends of the floor.
“[Doncic] has such a big presence on the court,” Kessler said. “It makes it a lot easier for all four guys around him to do what they need to do. I can play defense for him, set great screens and get him some assists. It’s going to be a lot of fun. I’ve never played with a point guard of that kind of size and stature to where he’s just a matchup nightmare.”
The 24-year-old also confirmed he has been fully cleared after undergoing left shoulder surgery that limited him to just five appearances last season.
“It’s been cleared,” Kessler said. “It feels strong. It feels mobile.
Kessler said the lengthy rehabilitation has only strengthened his appreciation for the game.
“I’m just excited to play again. Sitting out a whole year definitely puts a lot of things in perspective. The heart grows fond in absence. Falling in love with this game again, I just want to go play to win.”