Lakers center Walker Kessler turns around season after coach's public challenge

Lakers center Walker Kessler spent the first four games of the season failing to reach double-digit rebounds. Coach JJ Redick did not hide his concern. On October 28, before a game against the Clippers, Redick publicly challenged Kessler to rebound at a higher rate, specifically on the defensive glass. The coach cited the example of Dwight Howard, noting that the Hall of Famer could pull balls down outside his own airspace. Redick told Kessler he wanted that same aggressive presence protecting the rim.

Kessler answered the call. After recording 11 points and nine rebounds against the Clippers, he recorded three consecutive double-doubles. In a loss to the Warriors on October 30 and wins over the Raptors on November 1 and the Heat on November 2, he averaged 13.6 points and 14.3 rebounds per game. Redick praised the center's improved effort in boxing out opponents following the Heat victory on Monday, which the Lakers won 138-117.

The statistical impact is visible in the team's standing. The Lakers sit in second place in the Western Conference with a 7-2 record. Kessler averages 14.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.7 blocked shots per game. He ranks seventh in the NBA for rebounds and third for blocks. His screening allows Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves to operate with more freedom. Dončić leads the league with 38.5 points per game, while Reaves is shooting career highs in both field goal and three-point percentage.

The Lakers rely heavily on Kessler for their defensive structure. The team ranks first in offensive rating at 121.1 but sits 21st in defensive rating at 112.9. Data from Cleaning the Glass shows the disparity when Kessler is on the floor. The team's defensive rating improves to 110.1 with him in the game and worsens to 117.2 when he is off the court. His presence in the paint also encourages perimeter defenders to play aggressively, helping the Lakers force 166 opponent turnovers, the most in the league.

Kessler arrived in Los Angeles in July via a sign-and-trade with Utah. The Lakers gave up two first-round picks and two pick swaps in addition to a four-year, $130 million contract. He is one of nine new players on the roster and is still recovering from a torn posterior labrum in his left shoulder that cost him most of last season. He is learning the systems of Dončić and Reaves while developing into the defensive anchor the team requires.

Kessler acknowledged a stumble during Wednesday's 116-103 win over the Kings. He finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, and four blocked shots but conceded that Domantas Sabonis had the upper hand for the first three quarters. Sabonis recorded 16 points and 17 rebounds in that game. Redick has preached patience as the center adjusts to his new role, but Kessler's recent production suggests he is moving toward the level of play the coaching staff expects.