saturdaydownsouth
Walker Kessler's first game as a Los Angeles Laker could hardly have gone better. The former Auburn center made all 12 of his shot attempts, finishing with 26 points and 9 rebounds in a 127-105 season-opening victory over the Golden State Warriors.
The 7-foot-2 Kessler dominated inside, throwing down 10 dunks—the most by any Laker in a single game since Shaquille O'Neal in 2003. According to the team, only Wilt Chamberlain, who went 14-of-14 in March 1969, has made more shots without a miss in a game for the Lakers.
"It was awesome," Kessler said, per The Athletic. "Got the win, which is the most important thing. I definitely was a little nervous going into the game. But just so thankful and so grateful for how it went. That's all I got to say about it."
Kessler's efficiency in openers is becoming a pattern. As a member of the Utah Jazz last season, he went 7-for-7 in the opener. Over his NBA career, he is now 34-of-36 in season openers. However, his last campaign was cut short after just four games when he underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.
Now healthy, Kessler appears motivated to become the next great big man for the Lakers and could form a formidable pairing with star Luka Doncic.
Key Analysis
Kessler's perfect shooting night places him in rare company, joining Chamberlain as the only Lakers to make more than 12 shots without a miss. His 10 dunks also recall the dominance of O'Neal, suggesting the Lakers may have found a formidable interior presence. With his health restored, Kessler's performance hints at a promising future in Los Angeles.
Originally reported by saturdaydownsouth.