Walker Kessler talks finger jam, wanting to play after missing last season, his "linebacker" defensive role, joy after a long layoff, rim protection, and screening for Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves after Lakers practice on October 11, 2026.
On missing last season: "because I didn't play last season, like I want to play really bad." He's ready, but trusts the staff, trainers, coaches and the front office. On his role: "I've been asked to come to the anchor. So that's going to be my role is going to be the linebacker" of the defense — "I talk a lot. Yeah, you'll hear me. I yell a lot." On the layoff: "now I'm gonna be playing with so much joy that I haven't played with in a long time because I never sat out for a whole season." Finger update: "just jammed it a little bit" — precautionary in preseason — "full practice, felt great."
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Finger jam — precautionary; full practice felt great
00:25 "I want to play really bad" after missing last season
00:52 Frustration vs watching Lakers defense thrive
01:11 Wing defenders — Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, Jake LaRavia
01:49 Leadership — Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves; Kessler as "linebacker"/anchor
02:49 Long layoff — playing with "so much joy"
03:26 Checklist for Tuesday — TBD (JJ Redick)
03:56 Rim protection — Wemby & Rudy Gobert comps; wing aggression
04:51 Guarding stretch fives — invert, protect the basket
05:15 Screening to get Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves downhill
05:45 On elite screening — size, timing, positioning
▶ Shorts from this session: https://youtube.com/shorts/FI4IYIiLncA | https://youtube.com/shorts/HmMlZ0MYl68 | https://youtube.com/shorts/cjS0_vTzZ6g
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Walker Kessler: "The Linebacker" of the Lakers Defense #Shorts
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