Walker Kessler's Lakers debut sparks top-center debate

Shaquille O'Neal called him the league's best big man.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated 59m1 min read

Is Walker Kessler the best big in basketball? 👀 @KevinOConnor and @DarthAmin break down the newest Laker's debut ⬇️ (v Via @YahooSports on X

What happened: Kevin O'Connor and Amin Elhassan evaluated Walker Kessler's regular-season opener with Los Angeles on The Kevin O'Connor Show after O'Neal praised the 25-year-old center on ESPN. Kessler converted all 11 of his field-goal attempts for 22 points while finishing 10 dunks, the highest single-game total by a Laker since 2003.

Why it matters: Adding an efficient vertical finisher and rim anchor gives coach JJ Redick a reliable back-line presence behind a defense built on switching positions one through four. How Kessler holds up in space against stretch fives will determine whether his opener translates into sustained two-way impact across the 2026-27 regular season.

By the numbers: 22 points, 11-for-11 FG, 10 dunks (most by a Laker since 2003) as Los Angeles built a 94-65 margin.

What to watch: Opposing frontcourts will test Kessler's perimeter mobility with five-out lineups as Los Angeles continues its opening-week schedule.

Sources

@YahooSports 2026-10-22T19:55:11.026026+00:00

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