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Lakers' Walker Kessler Gives Major Injury Update, Shows Trust in Staff Ahead of Warriors Game
Walker Kessler fully practiced Sunday and is considered likely to make his Lakers preseason debut, though coach JJ Redick has not confirmed it.
- Walker Kessler, the new Los Angeles Lakers center, trended toward his preseason debut against the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas on Tuesday. Insider Jovan Buha reported the center appeared normal during practice, indicating a likely return from his jammed finger.
- Lakers head coach JJ Redick remained cautious regarding Kessler, who missed the previous season following shoulder surgery. The organization prioritized long-term health over immediate preseason participation, monitoring the jammed left pinky finger sustained early in training camp.
- "Ah, I want to play really bad," the new Lakers center said, emphasizing his desire to return despite the staff's measured approach. Kessler participated in full practice drills, affirming his trust in the trainers and coaching staff.
- Filling the frontcourt void, veteran Kevon Looney serves as the primary center for the Lakers. The team also utilizes Sandro Mamukelashvili as a versatile hybrid forward and undrafted rookie Rafael Castro to provide depth and rim protection.
- Projected as the defensive anchor for the newly reshaped roster, Kessler will complement franchise star Luka Doncic. He intends to serve as an elite shot-blocker and vertical spacer, insulating the paint to allow perimeter defenders to apply pressure.
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The LA Lakers lost a prep game with the Golden State Warriors, on which Austin Reaves shone, and Walker Kessler collected the first minutes for the Jezerniks.
·Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Kessler returns to full practice as Lakers assess their lineup
Walker Kessler's return to full practice gives the Los Angeles Lakers something their preseason results cannot provide: a chance to test their new defensive structure with the center it was built to include. His availability for Tuesday's game against Golden State, however, remains undecided. Kessler participated fully Sunday after being restricted by a jammed left pinkie finger. “Fully went today in practice, felt great,” he said. Coach JJ Redi…
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Total News Sources12
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Center
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources are Center
57% Center
L 29%
C 57%
14%
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