It's hard to envision a much better debut performance for Walker Kessler with the Los Angeles Lakers than what fans saw on Wednesday night. After a blockbuster offseason trade to acquire the former Utah Jazz big man, Kessler seemed like a perfect fit alongside Luka Doncic, and the team's 127-105 win over the Golden State Warriors proved it.
Doncic and Kessler's connection was in midseason form, as the 25-year-old big man was a perfect 12-of-12 from the field with 26 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. As for Doncic, in his first game as the full-time face of the Lakers franchise, he finished with 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists and looked more than comfortable alongside Austin Reaves (23 points, six assists, four rebounds).
After
Kessler's strong start in the nationally televised game against the Warriors, he spoke with Shaquille O'Neal and the rest of the Inside the NBA crew on ESPN, and Shaq not only called him the "best big man in the league" but also gave him a new nickname.
"Your new nickname is Milk Chamberlain," O'Neal said to Kessler. "I love you, Milk."
Shaq to Walker Kessler:
— Oh No He Didn't 🤯 (@ohnohedidnt24) October 22, 2026
"Your new nickname is Milk Chamberlain. I love you Milk!" pic.twitter.com/NCfThXCv1C
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Shaq gave Walker Kessler a hilarious new nickname after Lakers debut
