One night into the season, the outlets covering the Lakers are writing about a center who never missed and a star who left a rookie stung. Behind the applause sits a quieter question: who is healthy enough for the Clippers on Oct. 23.
A Flawless Opening Scene
ESPN called it a perfect Lakers debut. Lakers Nation put Kessler alongside Wilt Chamberlain in franchise history, and the Los Angeles Times wrote that the night could hardly have gone better. ESPN's Ben Golliver framed it as a partnership, with Doncic pairing with Kessler to run over Golden State. The box score backs the night: 12-for-12 from the field, 26 points, nine rebounds, two blocks and a +24 in 30 minutes. The Chamberlain comparison is Lakers Nation's framing. What the record confirms is the shooting, not the history. Kessler appeared in just five games last season, and at $30.2 million he holds the third-largest contract on the roster. One perfect night opens the case for that number. It does not close it.
The Star and the Rookie
ESPN's Anthony Slater reported that Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg said he had "lost all respect" for Doncic after his debut. The reporting gives no reason, and none should be guessed at. The matchup itself is plain. Lendeborg finished with 12 points on 5-of-11 shooting and a -21 in 29 minutes. Doncic had 28 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a +31, perfect on nine free throws, though he also turned it over six times. Elsewhere, Lakers Nation reported that Doncic hopes to finish his career in Los Angeles. On a $49.8 million salary, that is the franchise's hope too. The two meet again Oct. 30 in San Francisco.
Depth, With an Asterisk
At Silver Screen and Roll, Jacob Rude asked how much of a weapon the new depth really is. The opener supports the question. The bench scored 31 points, with Quentin Grimes posting 10 points, four assists and a +20, and Jake LaRavia scoring 10 on 4-of-5 shooting. The trouble is who is available. The same outlet reported that Redick said Collin Sexton had no setback and that sitting him against the Warriors was a joint decision. It also reported that the Lakers would briefly shut down Adou Thiero to treat swelling in his knee. Sexton, Thiero, Cameron Carr and now LaRavia, with a right ankle injury, all carry an estimated return of Oct. 23. That is a target, not a guarantee. With payroll at $201.3 million, just over the $200.4 million tax line, the Lakers have to find depth on this roster, not buy it.
Did Walker Kessler really go 12-for-12 in his Lakers debut?
Yes. He made all 12 of his shots and finished with 26 points and nine rebounds in the 127-105 win over the Warriors on Oct. 21.
Will Collin Sexton play against the Clippers?
He is still on the injury report with a right calf injury, and his estimated return is Oct. 23, the night of the Clippers game. Redick has said Sexton did not suffer a setback.
