Lakers Notes: Kessler, Sexton, Smart, Mamukelashvili

The Los Angeles Lakers are counting on newly acquired center Walker Kessler to transform their defense, according to reporting by Law Murray of The Athletic. Los Angeles invested heavily in Kessler over the summer, acquiring the 7-foot-2 center from the Utah Jazz in a sign-and-trade deal for future first-round draft picks before signing him to a four-year contract worth nearly $130 million.

Luka Doncic stated that Kessler was his preferred choice when the front office searched for a frontcourt addition. Lakers head coach JJ Redick explained that Kessler's interior presence will reshape the defensive scheme, pointing to how the San Antonio Spurs strategically positioned Victor Wembanyama near the rim to maximize defensive impact.