Prior to Wednesday’s fourth quarter, Walker Kessler was sitting on five points, three rebounds and two steals — far lesser production than he’d proven capable of thus far in this season. Then, he exploded for a 10-point, five-rebound, four-block, one-steal final frame to finish with 15 points, eight rebounds, four blocks and one steal. Those are numbers much more in line with the 25-year-old’s early season signature.
Kessler’s counterpart in the middle was Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis.
He’s a rugged, brawny big man who’s unafraid to launch elbows and hips into defenders for space down low and also threads passes to teammates for easy scores. Before that fourth-quarter renaissance, Kessler recognized the Lithuanian veteran — who logged 16 points, 17 rebounds (six on the offensive glass), one assist and one steal — was getting the best of him.
“He’s a very, very talented player. Really physical player,” Kessler told reporters after the Los Angeles Lakers’ 116-103 win on Wednesday. “Definitely got my tail kicked a little bit in the first three quarters. But I relied on my teammates and they did a good job of encouraging me … At the end of the day, just trying to win and started to roll my way a little bit.”
While likely past his All-NBA apex at this stage of his career, the 30-year-old Sabonis remains a good player and tough cover. For Kessler to struggle through three quarters but still stay in the fight mentally to bounce back and help fuel a third straight Lakers victory is encouraging. Of course, the white-hot exploits of Luka Dončić, who notched his fourth consecutive 40-point outing, didn’t ding Los Angeles’ win probability either.
Kessler will face another big, strong body Friday night when Donovan Clingan and the West-leading, 6-1 Portland Trail Blazers come to town. It’ll mark both the Lakers’ second meeting of the year with Portland and their second NBA Cup Group Play game. After blowing a big lead to the Golden State Warriors last Friday in their opening NBA Cup matchup of 2026-27, they must win this one to maintain any hope of advancing to the Quarterfinals. Tipoff is schedule for 7 p.m.
You can follow Jackson on Twitter at @jackfrank_jjf.
