What happened: JJ Redick said the Lakers will deploy Walker Kessler in and near the paint defensively, modeling the role on how San Antonio uses Victor Wembanyama. The plan was outlined at Lakers media day as the club opened camp for the 2026-27 season.

Why it matters: Los Angeles is moving away from heavy switching that pulled its center from the basket. Keeping Kessler home centralizes rim protection and simplifies rotations for the perimeter group.

What to watch: Los Angeles continues camp ahead of the Oct. 20 cut to 15 players. Preseason will show how the starters execute the non-switching coverages.