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Walker Kessler knows there will be a ‘transitional period’ of learning to play with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves

Between injuries and designated rest days, Walker Kessler only played alongside Austin Reaves for two preseason games and appeared next to Luka Dončić for a singular preseason game, all of which occurred last week during the Los Angeles Lakers’ final…

By Jackson Frank · Silver Screen and Roll

Published: Monday, 19 October 2026 at 4:19 PM

Key Things to Know

Walker Kessler acknowledged an adjustment period is needed to build on-court chemistry with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.
Kessler played only one preseason game alongside Dončić and two with Reaves due to rest and injuries.
During Friday's preseason loss to the Denver Nuggets, Kessler recorded four assists, including two out of short-roll situations.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler acknowledged there will be an adjustment period as he learns to play alongside Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. Due to injuries and designated rest days during the preseason, Kessler only shared the floor with Reaves for two games and played just one game with Dončić. Kessler noted that developing chemistry, particularly timing pick-and-rolls and operating out of pocket passes, will take time.

Jackson Frank highlights that Kessler's playmaking role will shift from his stationary usage with the Utah Jazz to functioning as a short-roll outlet. During Friday's preseason loss to the Denver Nuggets, Kessler recorded assists to Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle. The Lakers will face their first regular-season test on Wednesday night against the Golden State Warriors.

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