Walker Kessler Penciled In As Starting Center For Los Angeles Lakers

Walker Kessler is officially penciled in as the starting center for the Los Angeles Lakers heading into the 2026-27 season. Acquired via trade from Utah for multiple first-round draft assets and signed to a four-year, $130 million contract, Kessler faces high expectations for his elite rim protection and lob finishing. Coach JJ Redick and GM Rob Pelinka are banking on Kessler to stay healthy and anchor the frontcourt as a cornerstone of the team's major youth movement.