Walker Kessler was the first Los Angeles Lakers big man since Shaquille O'Neal in 2003 to throw down at least 10 dunks in a game during a 127-105 opening-night victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. Kessler was also the first Laker to have a perfect shooting night since Wilt Chamberlain, on a minimum of 12 shots. It was the largest season-opening win for the team since 1973.
The ESPN commentary team of Dave Pasch and Doris Burke noted Kessler's two legendary feats on air.
Kessler was a perfect fit alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as a lob threat at the rim during his Lakers debut. Doncic, in particular, was rebuilding Lob City in Los Angeles with the former Auburn star.
Reaves told me before the season at the 2026 American Century Championship what he envisioned Kessler accomplishing in Purple and Gold.
"I'm very excited. We needed someone at the 5 who could protect the rim and catch lobs, and make plays in the pocket. He's the type of player who could do that, and we're very excited to have him," Reaves said in July.
Kessler had 26 points, nine rebounds, two blocks, and an assist. He delivered exactly what was expected of him.
Luka graded him an "A+, for sure" after the game.
Shaq called Kessler the best big man in the game, while calling the team the "Snow-time Lakers."
Walker Kessler justifies Lakers' massive investment in him
The Lakers had to give up LeBron James to make room to sign Kessler to a four-year, $130 million free-agent contract. Kessler was officially acquired in a sign-and-trade deal with the Utah Jazz, the team that drafted him.
It was a massive gamble for Kessler to be the guy to follow the "King." Ditto for Los Angeles, which bet big on Reaves and Kessler in the offseason. Also, for Luka. It was no secret that LeBron and Doncic were having a power struggle behind the scenes. Luka only recently walked that one back.
While Golden State has an injury-depleted roster, these Lakers play a sustainable brand of basketball on the floor.
Kessler has had injury issues in his career and missed most of the 2025-26 season.
Still, if he can stay healthy, there's a very high ceiling in the City of Angels this year. Well, for the Lakers, at least.
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