Walker Kessler News, Rumors, Updates - Los Angeles Lakers

Expected to play Saturday Kessler (elbow) is now listed as probable for Saturday's game versus the Pelicans, Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Impact Kessler has been upgraded from questionable to probable Saturday after missing the last seven games with a left elbow sprain. The second-year big man will likely replace Kelly Olynyk in the starting five against New Orleans.

NOVEMBER 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable for Saturday Kessler (elbow) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Pelicans, according to Jazz radio host David Locke.

Impact Kessler was cleared for basketball activities Monday, but he wasn't expected to be re-evaluated until after the weekend. If Kessler gets the green light for an early return, he would provide a huge lift to Utah and his fantasy managers. John Collins, Kelly Olynyk and Omer Yurtseven all took on larger roles in Kessler's absence.

NOVEMBER 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Walker Kessler out at least another week, Jazz say The Jazz released an injury update on second-year center Walker Kessler on Monday.

NOVEMBER 20, 2023 • SLTRIB.COM

Cleared for basketball activities The Jazz announced Monday that Kessler (elbow) has been cleared to begin basketball activities and will be re-evaluated in one week, Michael Scotto of USA Today reports.

Impact Kessler sprained the UCL in his left elbow during the regular-season opener but tried to play through the pain. He was eventually shut down after making eight appearances and was expected to miss at least two weeks. It appears he'll miss more time than expected, but his return to basketball activities is still a great sign. However, as long as he remains sidelined, Ochai Agbaji, Lauri Markkanen and John Collins should start in Utah's frontcourt, while Kelly Olynyk handles an increased bench role.

NOVEMBER 20, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Utah Jazz lose Walker Kessler for two weeks with elbow injury Kessler, a first-team all-rookie selection last season, was injured during a season-opening loss to the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 25.

NOVEMBER 9, 2023 • NBA.COM

Utah Jazz lose all-rookie center Walker Kessler for two weeks with elbow injury

The Utah Jazz will be without starting center Walker Kessler for at least the next two weeks because of an injured left elbow Team officials made the announcement Wednesday before...

NOVEMBER 8, 2023 • Associated Press

Utah Jazz's Walker Kessler out with elbow sprain Walker Kessler is expected to be out of commission for about two weeks while he deals with an elbow sprain, the Jazz announced Wednesday.

NOVEMBER 8, 2023 • SLTRIB.COM

Out at least two weeks Kessler (elbow) will be out for at least two weeks due to a UCL sprain in his left elbow, Sarah Todd of The Deseret News reports.

Impact Kessler suffered his injury in the opening game of the season but has been playing through discomfort. However, the second-year big man will now rest his elbow without contact for at least two weeks in order to get healthy. Kelly Olynyk and Omer Yurtseven are candidates to see increased roles in Kessler's absence.

NOVEMBER 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Downgraded to doubtful Kessler (elbow) has been downgraded to doubtful for Wednesday's game against the Pacers.

Impact Kessler was previously listed as questionable, as he's dealing with a left elbow sprain. This is really unfortunate timing, as he is coming off the best game of his season against the Bulls. Assuming Kessler is unable to play Wednesday, we're likely to see a lot of Kelly Olynyk at the five. Omer Yurtseven could see a bump in minutes off the bench as well.

NOVEMBER 8, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Dealing with elbow sprain Kessler is questionable for Wednesday's game against the Pacers due to a left elbow sprain, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Impact Kessler had arguably his best all-around game of the season Monday versus the Bulls, posting 15 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks in 31 minutes. However, he's emerged from that contest with an injury. The severity of the elbow sprain is unclear, but if Kessler is unable to suit up Wednesday, Kelly Olynyk, Omer Yurtseven and John Collins could be candidates for increased playing time at center.

NOVEMBER 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Looks great against Bulls Kessler ended with 15 points (5-12 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 4-6 FT), 15 rebounds and four blocks in 31 minutes during Monday's 130-113 loss to the Bulls.

Impact Kessler's start to the 2023-24 season hasn't been ideal by any means, but he was terrific against the Bulls and even connected on another three-pointer for his second of the campaign. His four blocks brought his average up to 2.1 per game, so he's starting to catch up to the pace we saw during his rookie year when he swatted 2.3 per night.

NOVEMBER 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Struggles continue Saturday Kessler closed with four points (2-3 FG), four rebounds and three blocks across 22 minutes during Saturday's 123-95 loss to the Timberwolves.

Impact Kessler showed promise as a rookie, averaging 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game, but he has regressed drastically in the early stages of his sophomore year. Kessler has acknowledged his struggles after a summer in which he represented Team USA in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, but the reality is that he has been delivering subpar outings every time he steps on the court. Kessler has scored in double digits just once this season and has grabbed 10 or more rebounds just twice across seven contests.

NOVEMBER 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Available Thursday Kessler (elbow) is available for Thursday's game against the Magic, KSL Sports reports.

Impact Kessler was carrying a probable tag prior to this update, as he's dealing with some mild soreness in his elbow. He's off to a slow start this season, compiling averages of 8.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks.

NOVEMBER 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Expected to play against Orlando Kessler is probable for Thursday's game versus the Magic due to left elbow soreness, Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Impact Kessler has yet to miss a game so far this season and is expected to play on the second leg of Utah's back-to-back Thursday. The second-year center is averaging 8.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 22.8 minutes across his first five appearances this season.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Breaks out of early season funk Kessler contributed 22 points (10-11 FG, 2-3 FT), 13 rebounds and one block across 29 minutes during Monday's 110-102 loss to the Nuggets.

Impact Kessler broke out in a big way Monday, posting his first double-double of the season with uber-efficiency. The 22-year-old averaged just 5.7 points and 5.7 rebounds in Utah's first three games, with his limited production out of the gate perhaps sending fantasy managers into an early panic. Now that Kessler has at least one excellent stat line on his ledger, his managers can breathe a little easier heading into the Jazz's next game Wednesday against the winless Grizzlies.

OCTOBER 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Efficient against Sacramento Kessler closed Wednesday's 130-114 loss to Sacramento with eight points (4-5 FG), eight rebounds and one block in 22 minutes.

Impact Kessler tied for the fewest minutes of any starter for the Jazz on Wednesday, but he was still efficient from the floor and approached a double-double in the loss. The 22-year-old averaged 9.2 points and 8.4 rebounds in 23.0 minutes per game while shooting 72.0 percent from the floor as a rookie last year.

OCTOBER 26, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Walker Kessler, 3-point shooter? Jazz center breaks down the tweaks to his form Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler spent the summer working with a couple of coaches on adjusting the full-body mechanics of his jumper, in an...

OCTOBER 20, 2023 • SLTRIB.COM

2023 USA FIBA World Cup roster: Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson headline team

Grant Hill started working on the USA Basketball roster for this summer’s World Cup many months ago, long before the first invitations were...

SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 • FOX SPORTS

2023 USA FIBA World Cup roster: Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson headline team

Healthy at World Cup Kessler (concussion) recorded four points and one rebound in six minutes during USA's 109-81 victory over Greece in the FIBA World Cup on Monday.

Impact Kessler ended the 2022-23 campaign in concussion protocol, but as expected, he's back to full strength this summer. The 2022 No. 22 overall pick has a limited role for USA's World Cup squad, but it's still valuable experience for the 22-year-old heading into Year 2. Kessler exceeded expectations as a rookie, posting 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in 23.0 minutes per game across 74 appearances (40 starts) and figures to be Utah's starting center for years to come.

AUGUST 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Walker Kessler adds a spoonful of playing time to his plate with Team USA The basketball experience with the American team has been "a lot of fun" for the 22-year-old big man. So has the food.

AUGUST 19, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Anthony Edwards comes away with a steal and Walker Kessler finishes a dunk as Team USA extends its lead vs Greece

AUGUST 18, 2023 • FOX SPORTS

Weights, protein shakes and Team USA prep: How Walker Kessler spent his summer After a stellar rookie year, the Jazz center has spent time bulking up and knows success won't come without hard work.

AUGUST 2, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Walker Kessler on U.S. team for World Cup tournament The former Auburn basketball standout has been selected by USA Basketball for the national team that will compete in the FIBA Men's World Cu...

JULY 6, 2023 • AL.COM

All-NBA awards tracker: Rookie, Defensive and All-NBA teams

Keep up with the NBA's team award recipients, including the All-Rookie, All-Defensive and All-NBA.

MAY 11, 2023 • FOX SPORTS

All-NBA awards tracker: Rookie, Defensive and All-NBA teams

Walker Kessler gets personal, on being 'wholesome,' building a credit score, and his absurd Waffle House order While wrapping up his rookie season with the Utah Jazz, affable big man Walker Kessler delved into his life off the court — including how he...

APRIL 17, 2023 • SLTRIB.COM

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Utah Jazz lose all-rookie center Walker Kessler for two weeks with elbow injury

2023 USA FIBA World Cup roster: Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson headline team

Anthony Edwards comes away with a steal and Walker Kessler finishes a dunk as Team USA extends its lead vs Greece

All-NBA awards tracker: Rookie, Defensive and All-NBA teams