The Lakers listed Walker Kessler as day-to-day Monday with a finger and arm issue, and he will not play in the preseason game at the Kings. His absence hands extra minutes to the rest of the Lakers' rotation for the matchup at Kings.
What happened
The injury report filed at 8:54 p.m. ET Monday lists Walker Kessler as day-to-day with a finger and arm issue. His previous status is not announced. Khobi Price of The California Post reports that Kessler, dealing with rest, will not suit up for Monday's exhibition against the Kings. Kessler, 25, plays center for the Lakers.
What it means for the Lakers
The Lakers play at the Kings on Monday at 10 p.m. ET on NBA TV without Kessler, with the 2026-27 regular season not yet underway and the team at 0-0. Last season Kessler averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 30.8 minutes across five games. In games without him, Luka Doncic has played 35.8 minutes and scored 33.5 points, Austin Reaves has played 34.5 minutes and scored 23.3 points, LeBron James has played 33.2 minutes and scored 20.9 points, and Deandre Ayton has played 27.2 minutes and scored 12.5 points. The Lakers have no regular-season games yet to show a record with or without Kessler.
What to watch
Kessler is expected back Oct. 6, according to the injury report. The Lakers' next injury report will show whether that timeline holds as the preseason schedule continues toward the 2026-27 regular-season opener. No further timeline has been announced.
Is Walker Kessler playing at Kings?
No. Kessler is day-to-day with a finger and arm issue and will not play in the Lakers' game at the Kings on Monday, Oct. 5 at 10 p.m. ET on NBA TV.
When will Walker Kessler be back?
Kessler is expected back Oct. 6, according to the injury report. No further timeline has been announced.