Walker Kessler News, Rumors, Updates - Los Angeles Lakers

How Walker Kessler is continuing to exceed expectations in the NBA At this time last year, most of the most mock drafts had already identified Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith, and Jaden Ivey as t...

DECEMBER 15, 2022 • 247SPORTS.COM

Swallows 16 boards Tuesday Kessler supplied 11 points (5-10 FG, 1-2 FT), 16 rebounds and three blocks across 23 minutes during Tuesday's 121-100 victory over the Pelicans.

Impact Kessler did all of his damage in 23 minutes Tuesday, flashing his tremendous per-minute upside once again. The 16 rebounds marked a career-high for the rookie, while he has now blocked at least three shots in four of his past five games. Despite playing just 22 minutes per night over the past two weeks, he has been able to put up top-35 production. His path to bigger minutes is not clear, but even in a limited role, he is very close to being a must-roster player.

DECEMBER 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Zion Williamson POSTER Dunk on Walker Kessler | New Orleans Pelicans

DECEMBER 14, 2022 • YOUTUBE

Returns to bench Kessler isn't in the starting five for Saturday's game against the Nuggets, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Impact Jarred Vanderbilt will replace Kessler in the starting lineup Saturday. Kessler will move back to the bench after starting in the previous two games.

DECEMBER 11, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Double-double in first career start Kessler amassed 10 points (5-6 FG), 12 rebounds, one assist and five blocks across 24 minutes during Wednesday's 124-123 win over the Warriors.

Impact A product of the Rudy Gobert trade, Kessler found himself in a better spot with a team in rebuild mode, and it was only a matter of time before the highly-touted first-round pick would find his way into the starting five. It took a couple of injuries on the roster to get there, but he logged his first career start in the narrow win and posted his best rebound total of the season. Wednesday marked only the fourth time Kessler has posted double-digit scoring, but the rookie should continue to be a solid contributor in the paint as the first man on the floor after Kelly Olynyk. The two shared the court in Wednesday's win, a move made to create a height advantage inside against the Warriors.

DECEMBER 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Making first career start Kessler is in the starting five Wednesday versus Golden State, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Impact Kessler is making his first career start two games removed from his best performance of the year. The rookie has averaged 5.8 points and 5.3 rebounds in 23 appearances off the bench.

DECEMBER 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Career-best performance in win Kessler ended Friday's 139-119 victory over the Pacers with 20 points (7-7 FG, 6-8 FT), 11 rebounds, one assist and two blocks in 25 minutes.

Impact Kessler enjoyed his best game as a pro Friday, establishing his high mark in scoring with 20 points while making all seven of his field-goal attempts. The talented rookie also grabbed a career-high 11 boards to record his first NBA double-double. While Kessler can't usually be counted on as a scorer, he's been quite reliable as a shot blocker of late, posting multiple swats in four of his past six contests.

DECEMBER 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Another four blocks Wednesday Kessler finished Wednesday's 125-112 win over the Clippers with five points (2-3 FG, 1-3 FT), four rebounds and four blocks in 22 minutes.

Impact Kessler did what he does best in the win, swatting a game-high four shots off the bench. Despite the low minutes, he is proving to be one of the best shot blockers in the league. He is currently averaging 1.6 blocks per game in only 15.4 minutes. As long as the Jazz are contending, his role is unlikely to change too much, leaving him as an elite streaming option across all competitive leagues.

DECEMBER 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Swats five shots in loss Kessler chipped in five points (2-2 FG, 1-2 FT), seven rebounds and five blocks over 21 minutes during Wednesday's 125-116 loss to the Pistons.

Impact Kessler has yet to figure out how to become a consistent scorer, but the rookie has shown on several occasions his potential as a shot blocker. His five swats Wednesday were the most he has recorded in a single game thus far in his brief career, exceeding the four blocks he posted in his second NBA contest Oct. 21. Kessler is averaging 1.5 blocks across 15.2 minutes per game, tops among all NBA rookies.

NOVEMBER 24, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Not on injury report Kessler (illness) is not on the injury report for Wednesday's game against the Mavericks.

Impact Kessler sat out the past three games due to an illness. In his five appearances, he's averaged 5.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 blocks and 1.2 assists in 16.6 minutes.

NOVEMBER 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Joining team on road trip Kessler (illness) will join the Jazz on the team's upcoming three-game road trip, Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Impact Kessler took part in shootaround Monday before being ruled out of the evening's contest. It looks like he's trending toward a return at some point on the road trip, though it's unclear yet if he will be ready for the first road game Wednesday versus the Mavericks. More information on that front should surface when the team releases its injury report.

NOVEMBER 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out Monday Kessler (illness) will not take the court against the Grizzlies on Monday.

Impact Kessler will miss his third consecutive game due to a non-COVID illness despite taking part in shootaround Monday morning. His absence could spell more minutes for Kelly Olynyk and Jarred Vanderbilt, while Udoka Azubuike is a candidate to break into the Utah rotation.

OCTOBER 31, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Participates in shootaround Kessler (illness) participated in Utah's shootaround Monday, Eric Walden of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Impact Kessler has missed the last two games due to an illness and is questionable for Monday's matchup against Memphis, but his participation in the team's shootaround is encouraging. However, it's not yet clear whether he'll ultimately be able to suit up for Monday's game.

OCTOBER 31, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable Monday Kessler (illness) is questionable for Monday's game against the Grizzlies, Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune reports.

Impact Kessler has missed Utah's last two games due to an illness, and it's not yet clear whether he'll be available Monday. If he's sidelined again, Udoka Azubuike and Jarred Vanderbilt should see increased playing time.

OCTOBER 30, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Out again Saturday Kessler (illness) is out Saturday against the Grizzlies.

Impact Kessler, along with Mike Conley (rest), Simone Fontecchio (COVID-19 protocols) and Rudy Gay (COVID-19 protocols) are sidelined. Most players' minutes were muted during Friday's blowout loss to the Nuggets -- Jarred Vanderbilt led the team with 28 -- but the absences still mean more time could be in store for Malik Beasley, Talen Horton-Tucker, Ochai Agbaji, Leandro Bolmaro and Udoka Azubuike, among others.

OCTOBER 29, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Ruled out Friday Kessler (illness) will not play Friday against the Nuggets.

Impact Kessler was questionable coming into the matchup after battling an illness for most of the week. With Simone Fontecchio (COVID-19) and Rudy Gay (COVID-19) already ruled out, Udoka Azubuike will likely step into some backup center minutes.

OCTOBER 28, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Questionable at Denver Kessler (illness) is questionable for Friday's game against the Nuggets, Tony Jones of The Athletic reports.

Impact Kessler played 11 minutes during Wednesday's win over Houston but now feels under the weather. If he's unavailable for Friday's game against the Nuggets, Jarred Vanderbilt will likely see increased playing time. Talen Horton-Tucker could see more action as well with Rudy Gay (COVID-19 protocols) sidelined.

OCTOBER 27, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Doesn't practice Thursday Kessler didn't participate in Thursday's practice session due to an illness, Sarah Todd of The Deseret News reports.

Impact Kessler played 11 minutes during Wednesday's win over Houston but is feeling under the weather a day later. If he's unavailable for Friday's game against the Nuggets, Jarred Vanderbilt will likely see increased playing time.

OCTOBER 27, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Plagued by fouls Kessler had zero points (0-1 FG), one rebound, one block and one steal in eight minutes during Monday's 114-108 loss to the Rockets. He also had two turnovers.

Impact Kessler picked up four fouls within his first six minutes of action. Monday marked the first dud for the 21-year-old rookie. Kessler will continue experiencing growing pains, but he's flashed efficient scoring, shot blocking and rebounding prowess through his first four career games.

OCTOBER 25, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Nice performance off bench Kessler finished with 12 points (5-5 FG, 2-6 FT), 10 rebounds, one assist and one steal over 24 minutes during Wednesday's 123-102 victory over the Nuggets.

Impact Kessler's rookie debut went well. He saw 24 minutes off the bench -- more than starter Kelly Olynyk (15) -- and finished with a double-double on 100 percent shooting. His playing time, along with Olynyk's, may vary based on matchup. Still, fantasy managers who drafted Kessler certainly aren't feeling buyer's remorse.

OCTOBER 20, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Jazz rookie Walker Kessler is learning by asking questions: 'Everyone is here to help' Kessler is seeking advice from everyone -- coach Will Hardy, Jordan Clarkson, Rudy Gay -- on how to become a better NBA player.

OCTOBER 12, 2022 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Blocks four shots Tuesday Kessler has 12 points (5-6 FG, 2-4 FT), seven rebounds, four blocks and one assist in 25 minutes during Tuesday's loss to the Spurs.

Impact Kessler was fantastic in the loss, flashing his tremendous defensive upside. While he is slated to come off the bench behind Kelly Olynyk, there is certainly a chance his role expands as the season progresses. At this stage, he is nothing more than a late-round flier; however, his game translates very well when it comes to fantasy production, making him a name to monitor moving forward.

OCTOBER 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Scores 11 points off bench Kessler recorded 11 points (5-7 FG, 1-3 FT) and four rebounds across 14 minutes off the bench in Sunday's 114-82 loss against the Raptors.

Impact It was a solid pro debut for Kessler, who turned heads with his play during training camp and might be in the mix for real minutes as the season progresses. The rookie out of Auburn is slated to open the season as the team's backup center behind Kelly Olynyk, but he should find a steady role in the rotation in a rebuilding Utah squad.

OCTOBER 3, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Utah's Rudy Gobert reportedly traded to T-Wolves

The Utah Jazz have reportedly traded All-Star center Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

JULY 1, 2022 • FOX SPORTS

Utah's Rudy Gobert reportedly traded to T-Wolves

Traded to Utah Kessler -- along with Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Leandro Bolmaro and four first-round picks -- was traded Friday from the Timberwolves to the Jazz for Rudy...

Impact Kessler was just drafted by the Wolves with the No. 22 overall pick, but he'll quickly have a new home with the Jazz. It's unclear what Utah plans to do at center, but the rookie may be in the mix for real minutes.

JULY 1, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

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Utah's Rudy Gobert reportedly traded to T-Wolves