“I’ve faced Walker many times, always a challenge,” Doncic said. “I really wanted him. The front office, the squad—all of us felt he’d be a perfect fit.”
Murray points out the Lakers were 20th in defensive efficiency last season, the second‑worst among playoff clubs, though they held average marks in other areas. Their biggest weakness was rim protection, a spot where Kessler could make a huge impact.
“It will reshape our overall schemes,” coach JJ Redick said. “I won’t get into specifics, but you all saw the playoffs. You probably grasp how San Antonio boxed in Victor Wembanyama, keeping him low and near the rim.”
Additional Lakers coverage follows:
- The franchise plans to tap its non‑taxpayer mid‑level exception next summer to sign a starting‑level wing, Buha notes on his Buha’s Block podcast (YouTube, thanks BasketNews). That money might also retain Collin Sexton if he proves worthy, he adds. Sexton, a free‑agent signing, carries a $9.8 MM player option for 2027/28. In my view, this flexibility could reshape L.A.’s wing depth.
- Marcus Smart recently claimed he left Los Angeles because the offer was “disrespectful,” and Buha reports the Lakers proposed fewer years and less money than he desired. Buha says L.A. will miss Smart’s intangible contributions, noting his value on both ends of the floor.
- Doncic says the addition of Sandro Mamukelashvili, signed after a strong Toronto season, will help the team. “I knew his type of player. I’ve played him, but his ball‑handling and court vision, his passing—those are seriously underrated,” he explained. “That’s what impressed me most.” Will his skill set translate into consistent impact for L.A.?