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As the Los Angeles Lakers conclude their preseason schedule, most of their new additions have already logged significant minutes. Head coach JJ Redick and his staff have had the chance to evaluate Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Kevon Looney, and Quentin Grimes in game action.
However, two key offseason acquisitions, Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton, have yet to suit up due to injuries. Kessler, in particular, has been sidelined for three consecutive preseason contests because of a finger issue.
Following a recent practice, Kessler addressed the media, providing insight into his recovery and his eagerness to return. 'I think it would be a little different if I played last season,' Kessler said. 'Because I didn't play last season, I want to play really bad. I'm ready to play. But I trust the staff, and I trust the trainers and coaches and the front office. So yeah, just listening to them right now.'
With only two preseason games remaining, Kessler's window to make his Lakers debut is narrowing. The team will travel to Las Vegas to face the Golden State Warriors at T-Mobile Arena on Tuesday, October 13, though Kessler's availability remains uncertain. The preseason finale is set for Friday, October 16, when the Lakers host the Denver Nuggets at Crypto.com Arena.
Kessler Encouraged by Lakers' New-Look Defense
The 25-year-old center was brought in to anchor the defense while serving as a consistent lob threat on offense. Even though he hasn't played yet, Kessler has been impressed by what he's seen from his new teammates on the defensive end. 'It's frustrating,' Kessler said of not playing. 'But it's also really positive to see how well they've done defensively, without me out there. Our wing defenders are, like I said before, Matisse [Thybulle] and Ziaire [Williams] and Q (Quentin Grimes) and even Jake [LaRavia] are just great on-ball defenders. I mean, Luka [Doncic] and AR (Austin Reaves) are great off-ball, very smart players. So it's been fun to watch as well.'
The Lakers have performed well defensively over their first three preseason games and could surprise observers on that end this season.
Kessler's Status for Las Vegas Game Uncertain
Redick recently expressed hesitation about committing to Kessler playing against the Warriors, and Kessler himself is unsure if he'll be in uniform. 'TBD,' Kessler said of his status for Tuesday. There's no reason to rush him back if there's any risk of aggravating his pinkie finger, especially with the preseason finale just days later. The Lakers' regular-season opener is on October 21 at home against Stephen Curry and the Warriors, and Kessler is expected to be ready for that game.