Defense has been an issue in recent seasons for the Lakers, who are counting on Walker Kessler to transform them on that end of the court, writes Law Murray of The Athletic. L.A. made a heavy investment in the 7’2″ center this summer, sending a package of future first-round picks to Utah in a sign-and-trade deal and giving him a four-year contract worth nearly $130MM. He was Luka Doncic’s preferred choice as the team went shopping for a big man.

“I played a lot of games against Walker, so it was always tough to play against him,” Doncic said. “So, I really wanted him. I think the organization wanted him — I wanted him, all the players wanted him. I think it’s an amazing fit for us.”

Murray notes that the Lakers ranked 20th in defensive efficiency last season, second worst among playoff teams, but they were at least average in some metrics. The glaring flaw was rim protection, which is where Kessler should be a major difference maker.

“I think it changes how we scheme overall,” coach JJ Redick said. “Not to get into details, but you guys obviously watched the playoffs. You probably have a basic idea of how San Antonio used (Victor Wembanyama) and kept him low and kept him by the basket.”

There’s more on the Lakers:

• The team is planning to use its non-taxpayer mid-level exception next summer to add a “starting-level wing player,” reporter Johan Buha states on the latest edition of his Buha’s Block podcast (YouTube link, hat tip to BasketNews). It’s possible that money will be used to keep Collin Sexton if he shows that he’s capable of filling that role, Buha adds. Sexton, who was signed in free agency, holds a $9.8MM player option for 2027/28.
• Marcus Smart recently said that the left the Lakers because their offer was “disrespectful,” and Buha reports that L.A. was offering fewer years and less money than he wanted. Buha stated that the Lakers will miss the “intangible” qualities that Smart provided in his lone season with the team, noting that he was valuable on both offense and defense.
• Doncic believes the team will benefit from the addition of Sandro Mamukelashvili, who was added in free agency after a strong season with Toronto, relays Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops. “I knew what kind of player he was. Obviously played against him, but I think just his ability to handle the ball and to see the court, some of his passes, I think is very underrated,” Doncic said. “That’s the thing that most impressed me.”