Walker Kessler finally takes the floor for Los Angeles, turning in 11 points, 9 rebounds and a plus-15 mark in just 16 minutes. It isn't enough: the Warriors pull away in the second half, and the Lakers fall 89-101 for their second preseason defeat to Golden State in a week.
Kessler Finally Debuts
Cleared only hours before tipoff, Kessler made his first appearance of the preseason and looked ready immediately: 11 points, 9 rebounds, a steal and a block on 4-of-6 shooting in 16 minutes. His plus-15 was the best mark in the game, building on the 14.4 points and 10.8 rebounds he averaged over five games last season.
Doncic Watches From Bench
The Los Angeles Times and Silver Screen and Roll both reported Doncic was out for the game, with no reason given, leaving Austin Reaves to carry the offense. Reaves delivered 28 points on 10-of-18 shooting but turned the ball over seven times, and the Lakers' 63-point first half evaporated into a 26-point second half as Golden State pulled away for the 89-101 final.
Nuggets Next, Warriors Later
Los Angeles is now 0-2 against Golden State this preseason and gets three days before hosting Denver on Oct. 16. The Warriors return for the regular-season opener on Oct. 21, the first real test of whether this stretch's issues were preseason noise or something to fix before it counts.
Did Luka Doncic play against the Warriors on Oct. 13?
No. The Los Angeles Times and Silver Screen and Roll both reported Doncic was out for the game, with no reason given, while Walker Kessler made his preseason debut.
How did Walker Kessler perform in his Lakers debut?
Kessler posted 11 points, 9 rebounds, a steal and a block on 4-of-6 shooting in 16 minutes, finishing plus-15, the best mark of the game.
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