Walker Kessler

Player News

• Lakers' Walker Kessler: Positioned for key role at center

  22H ago • By RotoWire

  Kessler was highlighted as a strong fit with Luka Doncic after the Lakers paid a steep price to acquire him, Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports reports. The Lakers' depth at center behind Kessler appears to be razor-thin, including veteran Kevon Looney as his primary backup, so Los Angeles could lean heavily on Kessler during his debut season in Los Angeles. He's slotting in as a distant tertiary scoring option behind Doncic and Austin Reaves, though the prospect of being the top lob threat for the dynamic backcourt duo bodes well for his efficiency; Deandre Ayton shot a career-high 67.1 percent from the field in that role last season. Kessler also seemed to be adding a three-point shot to his arsenal before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery last year, averaging 1.2 threes to go with a career-high 3.0 assists per game in his five regular-season appearances for Utah, so he looks to have plenty of nine-category fantasy upside if he's able to shoot a reasonable percentage from the free-throw line.

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• Lakers' Walker Kessler: Traded to LAL, signs extension

  07/01/2026 • By RotoWire

  The Jazz traded Kessler (shoulder) to the Lakers on Wednesday in exchange for two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. Kessler will sign a four-year, $130 million deal with Los Angeles. LeBron James is leaving Los Angeles, and the Lakers are building around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Doncic expressed his desire to play with a top-tier center, and it appears he got his wish, though Deandre Ayton is still under contract after picking up his player option. Kessler missed most of the 2025-26 campaign after undergoing left shoulder surgery, but he's expected to be healthy to start his Los Angeles tenure.

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• Jazz's Walker Kessler: To miss rest of season

  11/05/2025 • By RotoWire

  Kessler will undergo left shoulder surgery to address a torn labrum and will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season, Tony Jones of The Athletic reports. This is a devastating blow for the Jazz and for Kessler's fantasy managers, given his high price in drafts. Kessler made just five appearances before his season was abruptly ended, finishing with averages of 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.4 steals. With Kessler sidelined the remainder of the campaign, Jusuf Nurkic is likely to step into a full-time starting role. However, the Jazz could also utilize smaller lineups, and guys like Kyle Filipowski and Taylor Hendricks could see increased run.

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• Jazz's Walker Kessler: Undergoing further testing

  11/02/2025 • By RotoWire

  Kessler (shoulder) did not travel with the team to Charlotte and is undergoing further testing. Kessler was already set to miss his first game of the season Sunday and now appears at risk of missing the remainder of Utah's four-game road trip after staying behind to treat a left shoulder injury. Jusuf Nurkic is expected to start in his place Sunday and should handle the bulk of the center minutes for as long as the Auburn product is sidelined.

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• Jazz's Walker Kessler: Won't play Sunday

  11/01/2025 • By RotoWire

  Kessler has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Hornets due to shoulder bursitis, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports. Kessler will miss the front end of Utah's back-to-back set due to the shoulder issue, and his next chance to suit up will come Monday against the Celtics. With the big man sidelined, Kyle Filipowski, Jusuf Nurkic and Taylor Hendricks are candidates for increased minutes.

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