Walker Kessler gets recognition with the Lakers he never got with the Jazz

Walker Kessler was ranked at No. 73 on ESPN's Top 100 list ahead of the upcoming NBA season, moving up 25 spots from his placement the previous year. The ranking comes after Kessler was acquired by the Los Angeles Lakers following his stint with the Utah Jazz.

The rise in Kessler's ranking occurred despite the center missing most of the previous season due to injury. The article notes that players typically drop in value after missing significant playing time, highlighting Kessler's unexpected jump prior to making his official debut for the Lakers.