Overview
- Kessler jammed the pinky on his left hand during training-camp activity and was held out of practice for precautionary reasons.
- He fully participated in team practice and live drills on Sunday and told reporters his injured finger “feels good.”
- Lakers insiders report Kessler is trending toward a preseason appearance in Las Vegas on Tuesday, but head coach JJ Redick has not committed to his game availability.
- Without Kessler the team is 2-1 in the preseason and has leaned on Kevon Looney and Sandro Mamukelashvili for center minutes, exposing some rim and rebounding gaps.
- Los Angeles acquired Kessler from Utah in a July sign-and-trade and gave him a multiyear, high-value contract, so the club is balancing the need for live minutes with extra caution after he missed most of last season for shoulder surgery.