Luka Doncic Sends Message to Walker Kessler After Lakers Center Struggles vs. Jazz

While the Sunday night headlines could or should’ve been about Walker Kessler’s homecoming game in Salt Lake City’s Delta Center, the spotlight followed Luka Doncic and his monstrous 52-pointer to hail a 132-123 comeback win over the Utah Jazz. But that didn’t stop the Slovenian from having the newcomer’s back.

“Obviously it wasn’t his best game,” the Lakers’ 77 admitted postgame, via an X post by California Post’s Khobi Price. “But we won the game, and he had two fantastic first games. Which was awesome. I told him, just move on, we won this game, and we got your back.”

After opening his first two regular-season games with 20+ points in purple and gold, many would’ve expected Kessler to put up a similar demeanor against the team he spent the first four years of his career with. However, the 25-year-old 7’2 center was stuck with just 2 points, 7 rebounds, 0 3P and 0 FT attempts in 28 minutes of action.

This could’ve affected the Lakers’ winning streak, as the Jazz totally overwhelmed them in the first half with a 47-29 lead. However, Doncic’s 17-of-30 from the field, 10-of-11 FTs and crucial 8-of-18 3Ps saved the night. Austin Reaves’ 29, Ziaire Williams’ 11, Matisse Thybulle’s 11 and Collin Sexton’s 13 points also made up for the gap Kessler left.

However, Kessler himself didn’t mince his words while talking about what went wrong despite the 16.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists he’s been averaging so far in the season. The former Jazz star also didn’t forget to reiterate Doncic’s point.

“I definitely let my emotions get the best of me,” he admitted, per another X post by Price. “But you know, you’ve got to learn from those moments and move on. But yeah, I’m just glad we got the win tonight. I’ve got a lot of thanks to give to my teammates. I mean, all of them played their roles and did a great job, even if it wasn’t my best night. So, I really, really appreciate them.”

While this spoke of the type of camaraderie Kessler has already found in LA ever since his offseason sign-and-trade in July, Sunday just wasn’t the type of game the Lakers would expect on a nightly basis from the center they gave up on two unprotected first-round picks for (2031, 2033) and two first-round pick swaps (2028, 2030) with the Jazz. Also, let's also not forget about the four-year, $130 million contract extension he signed with the Lakers.

The Lakers’ synergy made them look like a whole unit instead of a single gear. The team’s collective winning effort now puts the Lakers at 3-0, and surely Doncic’s heartwarming message ought to ease Kessler’s worry. But going forward, the team, coaches and fans would expect more involvement and less hesitancy from an elite rim protector like Kessler, who also needs to act like the defensive anchor.

The October 27 meeting with the Portland Trail Blazers can very much become Kessler’s redemption arc following the lackluster but hopefully short-lived Sunday night setback.