Austin Reaves has highlighted the immediate value of Walker Kessler, crediting the center’s defensive presence for the Los Angeles Lakers’ perfect 2-0 start to the NBA season. Speaking after the team’s second victory, Reaves emphasized that the front office’s decision to sign Kessler was calculated and has already yielded tangible results on the court. “We wanted him for a reason and he’s shown up big these first two games,” Reaves stated, noting that the team’s early success is directly tied to Kessler’s ability to alter shots and protect the rim.
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Kessler’s impact has been felt immediately, providing the Lakers with a reliable anchor in the paint that was missing in previous seasons. His presence has allowed the Lakers to maintain defensive intensity without draining their star players, creating a balanced approach that has kept opponents at bay. By securing the interior, Kessler has enabled the perimeter defenders to play with more confidence, contributing to the team’s ability to shut down opposing offenses in the first two games of the campaign.
The Lakers’ 2-0 record sets a strong tone for a young season, with Reaves declaring, “You couldn’t ask for a better start to the year.” This early momentum is crucial for a roster undergoing significant changes, and Kessler’s performance suggests the team’s defensive identity is already taking shape. As the season progresses, the consistency of Kessler’s play will be the key metric to watch, but his initial contribution has already validated the Lakers’ strategic moves in the offseason.
Source: Yahoo Sports
