Overview
- Kessler missed the Lakers’ first three preseason games after jamming his left pinky when he hit the backboard while blocking a shot.
- He fully participated in a Lakers practice on Sunday and told reporters he 'felt great' during his first full session since early camp.
- ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported that Kessler was trending toward making his preseason debut after Tuesday’s shootaround, though the team has not given an official availability update.
- Los Angeles acquired Kessler in a sign-and-trade from Utah, surrendering two first-round picks and two pick swaps and signing him to a four-year, roughly $130 million extension, which raises expectations for immediate impact.
- If Kessler plays, coaches will test how his rim protection changes rotations and rebounding plans that leaned on Kevon Looney and Sandro Mamukelashvili and how it allows perimeter defenders to press more on the ball.