The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a big loss this summer with the departure of LeBron James. In one singular moment, they lost one of their most valuable and important players with no clear or obvious replacement. Fortunately, the Lakers followed it up with an even bigger move: a trade for Walker Kessler, which cost two picks and two future pick swaps.
For NBA legend and former Laker Horace Grant, it’s not just the addition of Kessler that makes this summer a success for the Purple and Gold. It’s also the fact that he replaces Deandre Ayton, who failed to live up to expectations.
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“No disrespect to (Deandre) Ayton and the rest of those guys, but I think they were missing that toughness in the middle,” Grant said, via Action Network. “The rim protector. He can score, block shots, and rebound… that toughness. I watched him in Utah, and I enjoyed what I saw.”
Horace Grant may not be on the same level as other Lakers legends, but he certainly made an impression during his first season there. With averages of 8.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game on 46.2% shooting, he helped the Lakers secure their second-straight championship in 2001. Needless to say, Grant knows what it takes to win, and he knew the Lakers weren’t getting far with Ayton as the starting center.
When the Lakers initially traded for Luka Doncic, it was widely celebrated across the league. The only problem is that it cost them Anthony Davis, who was really their only big man threat. So, without a proper center for Doncic, the Lakers were forced to rely on Deandre Ayton.
As a former No. 1 overall pick who went as far as the NBA Finals, he’s a premium addition on paper, but he lacks the level of focus, energy, and drive required to maximize his role on any roster. On the Lakers, JJ Redick and his coaching staff resorted to unique methods to try and inspire Ayton, but he was too often invisible on the floor.
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In the end, it only took a single season for the Lakers to become disillusioned with their big man, culminating in a desperate effort to find his replacement. Kessler, while young and inexperienced, was the best center available and a clear upgrade over Ayton.
At 7’2″ and 245 pounds, Kessler brings size and consistency to the rotation without overstepping his role. Over the past four seasons with the Jazz, he’s proven himself as a valuable traditional-style center, flashing elite defense and a soft touch around the rim with averages of 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.5 steals, and 2.4 blocks per game on 70.3% shooting from the field for his career. While he played just five games last season, all indications are that he’s healthy and more focused than ever on completing a successful campaign.
We can expect some initial growing pains as Kessler adapts to his new surroundings, but he’s already taken critical steps to smooth the transition period. Just last week, he attended Luka Doncic’s team minicamp in Slovenia, and he was all smiles as he spent time with his new teammates. If the vibes from that event are any indication, the Lakers are poised to have a very good season.
