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Not Luka Dončić or Austin Reaves: Walker Kessler is the key

From Delo · () Slovenian

Translated from Slovenian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources Context piece
  • Robert Horry says Walker Kessler, rather than Luka Dončić or Austin Reaves, could be the key to the Lakers’ season.
  • Kessler joined Los Angeles on a four-year, €111 million contract after playing only five games last season because of a shoulder injury.
  • The Lakers struggled near the basket last season, allowing an average of 51.5 points in the paint, 19th in the NBA.

Robert Horry does not see Luka Dončić as the decisive Los Angeles Lakers player. For the seven-time NBA champion, the team’s season may instead depend on whether Walker Kessler can stay healthy and rediscover his form.

If Walker Kessler stays healthy and can show what he can do, he could determine how successful the season will be.

· Robert HorryHorry assessed Kessler’s importance to the Lakers’ season.

“If Walker Kessler stays healthy and can show what he can do, he could determine how successful the season will be,” Horry said. The former Lakers star believes the new center will matter more than may initially appear.

Kessler arrived in Los Angeles to replace Deandre Ayton as the starting center. The Lakers signed him to a four-year contract worth €111 million, but his fitness remains a major question before the season begins. The former Utah Jazz player made only five appearances last season because of a shoulder injury.

When you watch what Walker Kessler brings to the court, you see that he is exceptionally talented. Since Anthony Davis, we have not had a big man who could block shots so effectively, step away and hit a three-pointer.

· Robert HorryHorry praised Kessler’s defensive and shooting abilities on ESPN’s Mason & Ireland Show.

Horry said the 218-centimetre, 24-year-old center’s biggest challenge would be returning to a competitive rhythm and regaining his feel for the game after spending almost an entire season on the sidelines. “When you watch what Walker Kessler brings to the court, you see that he is exceptionally talented. Since Anthony Davis, we have not had a big man who could block shots so effectively, step away and hit a three-pointer,” he said on ESPN’s Mason & Ireland Show.

I just hope he stays healthy. Will he be able to overcome this and return as the center everyone expects him to be?

· Robert HorryHorry identified Kessler’s recovery and fitness as the main uncertainty.

Horry also questioned whether Kessler could immediately perform at his highest level. “I just hope he stays healthy. Will he be able to overcome this and return as the center everyone expects him to be?” he said, before adding: “The key is Walker Kessler, not Luka Dončić and not Austin Reaves!” The assessment reflects a weakness the Lakers must address: they allowed 51.5 points per game in the paint last season, ranking 19th in the NBA.

The key is Walker Kessler, not Luka Dončić and not Austin Reaves!

· Robert HorryHorry summarized his view of the Lakers’ most important player.
About this summary

Originally published by Delo in Slovenian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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