Lakers’ biggest questions: Walker Kessler, wing depth and title hopes

Khobi Price evaluates the Los Angeles Lakers' championship aspirations, focusing on the integration of marquee center Walker Kessler and the team's wing depth. The Lakers signed Kessler to a four-year, $130 million deal following a trade involving two first-round picks to provide an interior presence alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. After winning 53 games in the 2025-26 season, the franchise opted for a younger core.

Price argues that the Lakers must resolve starting lineup decisions and find consistent 3-and-D production from their wing rotation. While the franchise faces an off-court ownership sale from Mark Walter to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger, the writer notes that competing against Western Conference powerhouses will depend on sustained elite offensive production and defensive execution.