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Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler turned in a historic shooting display on Wednesday night, helping his team secure a 127-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors. The performance caught the attention of franchise legend Shaquille O'Neal, who bestowed a humorous new moniker upon the 25-year-old big man during ESPN's Inside the NBA postgame show.
Kessler posted 26 points, nine rebounds, two blocks, and one assist while converting all 12 of his field-goal attempts in his regular-season debut for the Lakers. His flawless shooting line immediately sparked comparisons to NBA icon Wilt Chamberlain, prompting O'Neal to unveil the nickname.
"I got a new nickname for you," O'Neal said. "Your new nickname is Milk Chamberlain. I love you, Milk."
The nickname plays on Chamberlain's name, a Hall of Fame center who spent the final five seasons of his career with the Lakers and remains one of the most dominant interior forces in league history.
Kessler Etches Name in Lakers History
According to ESPN Insights, Chamberlain is the only Lakers player to make more field goals without a miss in a single game, having gone 14-for-14 against the Detroit Pistons on March 11, 1969. Kessler fell just two baskets short of matching that record while hitting all 12 of his shots against Golden State.
The center also made two of his four free throws, helping Los Angeles cruise to a 22-point win in the team's 2026-27 season opener. The victory marked an encouraging start for the Lakers in their first season following LeBron James's departure to the Philadelphia 76ers.
With Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves anchoring the backcourt, Kessler provides Los Angeles with a reliable interior presence capable of finishing at the rim, protecting the basket, and contributing on the boards.
The Lakers (1-0) will aim to build on their opening-night success when they host the Los Angeles Clippers (1-0) on Friday at 7 p.m. PT.
Originally reported by yahoo.