Season stats: 2025-26. Updated 6 h ago.
Walker Kessler Joins the Lakers, Bringing Rim Protection to the Frontcourt
newsroom · 2 h agoWalker Kessler is on the Lakers roster for 2026-27, wearing No. 14 at center after spending last season with the Utah Jazz. In a five-game 2025-26 season, he averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks on elite shooting efficiency. He is not on the injury report as the Lakers get set for the season opener.
New Face at Center
Walker Kessler is the Lakers' newest center. He's 25, stands 7-2, weighs 245 pounds, and wears No. 14. He's entering his fourth NBA season after starting his career at Auburn. Last season he played for the Utah Jazz. Now he's on the Lakers roster for 2026-27, giving the team a true rim protector at the five. Kessler's frame and length make him a natural fit next to smaller, faster teammates who need someone to clean up misses and challenge shots at the rim. He joins a Lakers team that will lean on him for interior defense and second-chance points as the new season begins.
The Numbers From Utah
Last season, in a season limited to five games with the Jazz, Kessler averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.8 blocks in 30.8 minutes a night. He shot 70.3 percent from the field, 75.0 percent from three-point range and 70.0 percent from the free-throw line, for a true shooting mark of 78.6 percent. His usage rate was 16.7 percent, and his plus-minus sat at 2.8. It's a small sample given the five games, but the efficiency numbers stand out across the board, from the field to the free-throw line.
What He Brings
At 7-2, Kessler protects the rim and cleans the glass, two things every roster needs at center. His 1.8 blocks and 10.8 rebounds per game last season back that up, and his 78.6 true shooting percentage shows he doesn't need many touches to be efficient — his usage rate was just 16.7 percent. He won't be a high-volume scorer, but finishing at 70.3 percent from the field means easy baskets around the rim. For a Lakers team built around perimeter shot creators, a big man who defends and finishes without needing plays run for him is a useful complement in the frontcourt.
Health Report
Kessler is not on the injury report right now, and no injuries are listed in his history with this team. The 2026-27 season hasn't tipped off yet, so there's no current game log to point to. Last season he was limited to just five games, which makes his health worth watching once the Lakers' schedule gets underway. For now, though, there's nothing flagged: he checks in as a full participant heading toward the opener, with no restrictions reported.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers open the 2026-27 season with Kessler as a rotation center. He arrives with a track record of efficient scoring and rim protection from his time with Utah, even though a five-game 2025-26 season limits how much film is available. An Auburn product now in his fourth NBA season, he gives the Lakers a size and shot-blocking option they can turn to once the games begin. No trade buzz or roster rumors are attached to him at the moment — the story right now is simply what he can do on the floor for his new team.
Questions fans ask
What number does Walker Kessler wear for the Lakers?
No. 14.
What position does Walker Kessler play?
Center.
How big is Walker Kessler?
He's listed at 7-2 and 245 pounds.
What team did Kessler play for last season?
The Utah Jazz, where he appeared in five games in 2025-26.
Is Walker Kessler injured?
No. He is not on the injury report.
What were Kessler's per-game stats last season?
In 2025-26 with Utah, he averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.8 blocks in 30.8 minutes, shooting 70.3 percent from the field.
Game log
last 0| Date | Opp | Result | Min | Pts | Reb | Ast | FG | 3P | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No games logged yet this season. | |||||||||