Lakers center Walker Kessler returned to full participation in Sunday's practice, signaling a potential debut as early as Tuesday. Coach JJ Redick remains cautious, citing the need to monitor the player's recovery from a jammed finger.
Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler is on the verge of making his preseason debut after participating fully in Sunday’s practice session. The 7-foot-2 big man, who joined the Lakers via a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz this summer, took part in live drills for the first time since the opening days of training camp, when he jammed his left pinky finger against the backboard. According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, Kessler reported feeling good during the session, noting that the injury has not hindered his ability to block shots.
Despite the positive progress, head coach JJ Redick has declined to confirm whether Kessler will play in Tuesday night’s preseason game against the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas. Redick emphasized the team’s commitment to managing the situation carefully, stating that the coaching staff will monitor how Kessler feels on Monday before making a final decision. "We’ll be smart with it," Redick said. "See how he feels tomorrow. But not willing to commit to him playing Tuesday or not. He’ll get some live play at some point this week."
Kessler, who signed a four-year, $130 million contract with Los Angeles, expressed eagerness to return to the floor after missing the majority of the 2025-26 season due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder. The center acknowledged his frustration at being sidelined during the early stages of camp but emphasized his trust in the medical staff and front office. "I’m ready to play, but I trust the staff and I trust the trainers, the coaches, and front office," Kessler said. "Just listening to them right now."
The Lakers have been 2-1 in preseason games without Kessler, and the team is focused on integrating him into a defensive scheme that relies heavily on his presence in the paint. General Manager Rob Pelinka and Redick have outlined a strategy where Kessler anchors the defense, allowing perimeter defenders like Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, and Quentin Grimes to be more aggressive. Kessler has praised the team's defensive efforts in his absence, noting that the Lakers have averaged 13.7 steals per game in preseason play.
Other roster updates include Collin Sexton and Ziaire Williams, who remain day-to-day with lower-leg and foot injuries, respectively. With the regular season opener against the Warriors approximately 10 days away, Redick continues to evaluate the starting lineup, though he has already named Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Kessler as likely starters.