Walker Kessler News, Rumors, Updates - Los Angeles Lakers

Scores career-high 23 points Kessler recorded 23 points (10-12 FG, 3-7 FT), nine rebounds and one assist in 32 minutes during Friday's 122-116 victory over the Raptors.

Impact Kessler's 23 points marks a new career-high and it's the third time this season he's reached 20 or more points. His minutes have been way up lately, and that is unlikely to change with Jarred Vanderbilt traded to the Lakers. Kessler could have a massive finish to his fantasy campaign as an elite source of blocks, rebounds and field-goal percentage.

FEBRUARY 11, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Deron Williams will coach Walker Kessler in Rising Stars game Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler will be coached by former Jazz guard Deron Williams in the Rising Stars game as NBA All-Star Weekend makes i...

FEBRUARY 8, 2023 • DESERET.COM

Delivers rebounds, blocks in loss Kessler finished with 13 points (6-9 FG, 1-1 FT), nine rebounds, three blocks, one assist and one steal across 27 minutes in Monday's 124-111 loss to the Mavericks.

Impact After logging his fewest minutes (18) since entering the starting five in Utah's previous game Friday against the Hawks, Kessler returned to a more typical level of playing time Monday and delivered a bounce-back effort. The rookie center typically won't be anything more than a neutral contributor in the points category, but his ability to block shots at a prolific rate, shoot efficiently from the field and haul in rebounds at a steady clip makes him a standout performer in three categories.

FEBRUARY 7, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

NBA Friday Night DFS Picks 2/3: DraftKings lineup, sleepers for tonight's daily fantasy basketball tournaments Get ready for Friday night in the NBA by checking our DraftKings lineup, with All-Star snub James Harden anchoring a balanced squad that als...

FEBRUARY 3, 2023 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Blocks seven shots in win Kessler supplied 17 points (8-10 FG, 1-3 FT), 14 rebounds, one assist, seven blocks and one steal over 30 minutes during Wednesday's 131-128 win over the Raptors.

Impact Kessler was an absolute force on defense right from tip off, racking up a whopping six blocks in the first quarter alone before entering the break with eight points on 4-of-5 shooting to go along with seven rebounds. He grabbed another seven boards in the second half, five of which came in the fourth quarter to help the Jazz seal up the win at home and give the big man his 11th double-double of the 2023-23 campaign. Kessler missed only two shots on the night and grabbed a team-high 14 rebounds, while his seven blocks also marked both a game and season high.

FEBRUARY 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

With Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler and Ochai Agbaji, the Jazz long-term plan gets a thumbs up The Jazz are expected to be active at the trade deadline. But one thing is for certain: Utah already has a good, young core to build around.

FEBRUARY 2, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM

The Triple Team: Walker Kessler is gaining the respect of nationwide pundits and opposing fans alike The Jazz won against the Raptors on Wednesday night thanks to Walker Kessler's brilliance and Lauri Markkanen's efficiency.

FEBRUARY 2, 2023 • SLTRIB.COM

Grabs 10th double-double Kessler totaled 14 points (6-7 FG, 2-4 FT), 11 rebounds, two assists and five blocks in 25 minutes during Saturday's 108-100 win over the Mavericks.

Impact Kessler was a force for Utah in the first half, posting seven boards and four blocks to go along with 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting. He attempted only one more shot in the second half but did grab another four rebounds to notch his 10th double-double of the season. The center led the contest in blocks (five) and rebounds (11) and shot above 75 percent for a third straight game. It was also his third time this month with at least five blocks.

JANUARY 29, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Expected to remain starter Coach Will Hardy disclosed Friday that Kessler will likely remain in the starting five even once Kelly Olynyk (ankle) is available, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Impact This is great news for fantasy managers that have taken a chance on Kessler, hoping he would force himself into a starting role at some point in the year. The rookie has started the past eight games, averaging 11.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 1.4 assists while shooting 67.2 percent from the field. His poor free-throw shooting -- 53.8 percent on the season- caps his upside, but Kessler is a must-roster in most standard fantasy leagues due to his block and rebound potential.

JANUARY 27, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Produces 13 points efficiently Kessler contributed 13 points (5-6 FG, 3-4 FT) and nine rebounds in 22 minutes during Monday's 120-102 win over the Hornets.

Impact For only the fourth time this season in which he's played at least 20 minutes, Kessler finished without a block. Even so, the rookie was still able to come through with a useful line for fantasy managers while achieving his scoring efficiently. The rookie has started each of Utah's last seven games and has averaged 11.7 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks in 27.9 minutes while knocking down two-thirds of his field-goal attempts.

JANUARY 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Walker Kessler's leading the NBA in blocks per minute. How can he become the Jazz's full-time starting center? Utah's Walker Kessler got some free advice from Donovan Mitchell after the two played on Tuesday. How can Kessler become a starter for the J...

JANUARY 22, 2023 • SLTRIB.COM

Walker Kessler shows why his NIL deal didn't become an NBA partnership In the latest "How ’Bout This Jazz" newsletter, Utah Jazz star rookie Walker Kessler relives becoming a pitchman for Dunkaroos snack cookies...

JANUARY 21, 2023 • SLTRIB.COM

Kessler proving he belongs as productive NBA rookie Walker Kessler is off to a strong start as an NBA rookie, which is no surprise to the head coach who saw him help the Tigers win last season...

JANUARY 18, 2023 • 247SPORTS.COM

Monster night on boards Kessler supplied 20 points (9-13 FG, 2-4 FT), 21 rebounds, four assists and two blocks in 31 minutes during Monday's 126-125 win over the Timberwolves.

Impact Kessler's 21 rebounds set a new career high, and his 20 points matched a career high as well. The rookie center has been on a tear this month, and with Kelly Olynyk (ankle) still out, he has really stepped up with the increase in minutes. Even when Olynyk is healthy, Kessler's opportunity is significant enough that he shouldn't be on any fantasy waiver wires at this point.

JANUARY 17, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Kessler's 20 points, 21 rebounds help Jazz beat T-Wolves

Walker Kessler had career-highs of 20 points and 21 rebounds, Jordan Clarkson added 21 points and the Utah Jazz rallied from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat the Mi...

JANUARY 16, 2023 • Associated Press

Comes through with double-double Kessler finished with 15 points (7-7 FG, 1-1 FT), 12 rebounds, two blocks and one steal in 32 minutes in Saturday's 118-117 loss to the 76ers.

Impact Kessler took a step back in the blocks column after swatting 14 shots across his previous three games, but he still made an impact in the category while coming away with a double-double on flawless shooting from the field and free-throw line. While Kelly Olynyk (ankle) is out of the lineup, Kessler should be locked into a starting role and warrants a roster spot in just about every fantasy format.

JANUARY 15, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Blocks career-high seven shots Kessler contributed 13 points (5-6 FG, 3-6 FT), nine rebounds, seven blocks and two steals across 27 minutes during Friday's 112-108 win over the Magic.

Impact Kessler was a man on a mission Friday, flirting with a double-double while adding nine defensive counters, including a career-high seven blocks. A recent injury to Kelly Olynyk (ankle) has opened the door for Kessler to step into the starting lineup. Even without the injury to Olynyk, Kessler was already pegged as a must-roster player primarily due to his role as an elite shot-blocker.

JANUARY 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Gets starting nod Kessler is in the starting lineup for Tuesday's matchup versus the Cavaliers, Andy reports.

Impact Kessler will replace Kelly Olynyk (ankle) in the starting five Tuesday. The rookie big man is averaging 9.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 25.0 minutes across his previous six starts.

JANUARY 11, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Rejections-a-plenty Sunday Kessler posted 10 points (5-7 FG), 11 rebounds, one assist and six blocks over 23 minutes during Sunday's 123-118 loss to the Grizzlies.

Impact Kessler was a force to be reckoned with in the loss, swatting a career-high six shots to go with 11 boards. With Kelly Olynyk re-injuring his ankle late in the piece, Kessler could be in line for an uptick in playing time. The Jazz have already verbalized the fact that they expect Olynyk to miss time, music to the ears of anyone rostering Kessler. Monitor the injury report ahead of Tuesday's game against the Cavaliers but if the stars align, Kessler could be about to stamp his authority on things.

JANUARY 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Tallies 12 boards, three blocks Kessler closed Saturday's 126-123 loss to Miami with five points (2-6 FG, 1-2 FT), 12 rebounds, three blocks and one steal in 30 minutes.

Impact Kessler logged at least 30 minutes for just the second time in his career, soaking up some additional playing time with Jarred Vanderbilt in early foul trouble. There is certainly a case to be made that Kessler is already a better option than Vanderbilt. The former has put up top-60 value over the past month despite playing just 23 minutes per night. Obviously, his offerings are limited to just rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage, meaning he won't be a good fit for everyone. With that said, his floor is safe enough that he shouldn't be on most waiver wires.

JANUARY 1, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Moves to bench Kessler isn't in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against the Warriors, Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Impact Kelly Olynyk will reclaim his spot in the starting lineup from Kessler on Wednesday. The rookie big man is averaging 10.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 26.3 minutes across his last four appearances.

DECEMBER 29, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Two rejections in spot start Kessler posted 11 points (5-5 FG, 1-4 FT), six rebounds, one assist, two blocks and one steal across 25 minutes during Monday's 122-99 loss to Cleveland.

Impact With Kelly Olynyk (ankle) in street clothes, Kessler got the start at center and put together a well-rounded line in the box score. The 22nd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft has made three starts in nine December contests while seeing his role grow in the Utah frontcourt, averaging 10.1 points, 8.8 boards and 2.4 blocks in 22.1 minutes a game on the month while shooting an absurd 81.3 percent from the floor.

DECEMBER 20, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Draws spot start Monday Kessler will start Monday's contest against the Cavaliers, Spencer Davies of BasketballNews.com reports.

Impact Kelly Olynyk (ankle) is out, paving the way for Kessler to draw his third career start. In his previous two starts, the rookie center has averaged 8.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 22.5 minutes per game. Kessler figures to see a similar role Monday, though he faces a tough matchup against Cleveland's formidable frontcourt.

DECEMBER 19, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Outplays Vanderbilt on Thursday Kessler finished with 11 points (4-4 FG, 3-4 FT), eight rebounds, three blocks, one assist and one steal in 28 minutes in Thursday's 132-129 overtime win over the Pelicans.

Impact Though he came off the bench for the third game in a row with Jarred Vanderbilt, having reclaimed a starting gig in the frontcourt, Kessler has remained highly productive. The rookie center has swatted exactly three shots in each of those three contests, and he's also averaging 10.7 points and 10.7 rebounds while shooting 65 percent from the field over that stretch. Kessler notably saw seven more minutes than Vanderbilt on Thursday, so the move to the bench shouldn't be taken as evidence that Kessler will be moving into a smaller role.

DECEMBER 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

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Kessler's 20 points, 21 rebounds help Jazz beat T-Wolves