Luka Doncic Gives Honest Verdict On New 7-Foot-1 Star In Roster Amid Adjustment In Lakers’ Offense

Luka Doncic details what Walker Kessler needs to adapt to in the Los Angeles Lakers’ offense© Instagram/ lukadoncic and Instagram/ kidkessler

Luka Doncic knows where Walker Kessler needs the most work in the Lakers' offense. Denver blitzed their pick-and-roll in Friday's preseason finale, and the new center had to make quick choices with two defenders swarming the ball. Doncic spoke about it after Monday's practice, two days before Los Angeles opens the regular season against the Warriors. Kessler is coming off shoulder surgery and has barely played in the last year and a half. The lessons from that Denver game could shape how the big man fits next to the guard.

Luka Doncic Opens Up About Walker Kessler's Learning Curve With the Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Doncic said the coverage Denver used was new for Walker Kessler. “Obviously it was a little bit different because they were blitzing the whole game,” the Lakers guard said. Doncic added the two are working on it and called the center important in those situations. He also pointed out the Lakers have not seen drop coverage yet, when the opposing big man sits back near the rim.

A blitz sends two defenders at the ball handler. If Doncic gets a pass through, Kessler catches it with a numbers edge behind the trap. He then has a short window to attack the rim or find an open teammate before the defense recovers.

Kessler sees it the same way. After Friday's game, he said there is a transition period with Doncic and Austin Reaves on the floor together, and the group is starting to get a feel for playing out of blitzed ball screens. Against Denver, Kessler had six points and four assists while shooting 2-of-8. In one half against the Warriors in the preseason, he had 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting and nine rebounds.

Walker Kessler On Lakers Regular Season Expectation

The $130 million center gets his first regular season game since Oct. 31, 2025, on Wednesday. Shoulder surgery in November ended that Utah season after five games. Kessler has played only six regular season games since March 28, 2025.

“I'm just so excited to get back out there,” Kessler said. He expects plenty of nerves before tip-off and believes they fade once play starts.

The price was steep. Los Angeles gave Utah unprotected first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 plus pick swaps in 2028 and 2030, and signed Kessler to a four-year deal in a sign-and-trade. Coach JJ Redick has asked for patience. Kessler has never played next to a player like Doncic, Redick said, and has never really anchored a defense. The coach believes All-Star level is possible, but it will take time.

Health is the main concern. Kessler missed three preseason games after jamming a pinky finger in the backboard, and the big man has played only 63 games in the past two NBA seasons.