With less than six minutes left in the game on Wednesday night, Walker Kessler made his way to the Lakers bench. His jersey was soaked with sweat, his left knee was a bit bloodied and bruised, signaling the end of his efforts.
At that moment, over 18,000 fans in Crypto.com Arena stood up to applaud the new Lakers center for an impressive debut in the team’s colors.
Kessler dominated the paint in the Lakers’ season opener, slamming down 10 dunks and scoring 26 points with an impeccable shooting performance of 12-for-12. The Lakers triumphed over the Golden State Warriors, 127-105.
Not a bad way to make a first impression.
And somewhere in Atlanta, back at the “Inside the NBA” studios, Shaquille O’Neal was likely smiling.
During ESPN’s postgame analysis, the Lakers icon humorously dubbed Kessler “Milk Chamberlain,” a fitting title given his remarkable performance.
Kessler made history as just the second player in Lakers franchise history to hit at least 12 field goals without a miss, matching the feat of Wilt Chamberlain, who scored 34 points on 14-for-14 shooting back in 1969.
According to ESPN, his 10 dunks are the most by a Laker since Shaquille O’Neal did it in 2003, setting a new record for the NBA play-by-play era.
However, the more concerning takeaway for the rest of the Western Conference wasn’t just Kessler’s impressive stats. What was alarming was how effortlessly the Lakers’ new Big Three operated.
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves spent the evening treating the rim like a target, tossing alley-oops Kessler’s way and effortlessly watching him finish strong. One play in particular stood out: Doncic made a behind-the-back pass to Kessler right under the basket, as if it were gift-wrapped.
“When I drove, he stepped up. When I was doubled, he found the open spots,” Doncic noted, finishing the game with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. “He had a very impressive game.”
Kessler also contributed nine rebounds and two blocks, delivering exactly the interior presence Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka anticipated when he gave up two unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps to get him.
What seemed like a steep price over the summer, now felt like a steal.
Lakers coach JJ Redick acknowledged the landmark nature of the event.
“He understands what this means and the pressure associated with it. This is a fantastic way for him to start,” Redick remarked.
Teammate Ziaire Williams admitted he sometimes found himself in awe as Doncic, Reaves, and Kessler worked in tandem.
For Kessler, the reasoning behind their chemistry was quite straightforward.
“I wish I could say it was difficult, but their court vision is incredible,” he stated.
The day before, Kessler had talked about the significance of playing for such a prestigious franchise, but on Wednesday night, he admitted to feeling a bit nervous.
By the end of the evening, those nerves faded amidst the sound of a thunderous standing ovation.
It’s clear: the “Snowtime Lakers” era has kicked off with an electrifying start.
