Walker Kessler wants to reward the Los Angeles Lakers for paying a steep price to acquire him from the Utah Jazz in a blockbuster sign-and-trade.
“It makes you feel a certain way when you know an organization believes in you,” Kessler told reporters Monday, including ESPN’s Ben Golliver. “With what (the Lakers) have invested, they’re showing that belief, in a monetary value. Not just with money but in (draft) assets.
“If I know they have that belief in me, I’m going to run through a brick wall for them. That’s how I’ve been wired my whole life.”
Los Angeles sent two unprotected first-rounders and a pair of first-round pick swaps to Utah for Kessler. The Lakers signed the restricted free agent to a four-year, $130-million contract as part of the deal.
Kessler gives the franchise a long-term solution at the five. The 7-foot-2 center has been an elite rim-protector during his first four seasons in the Association and will soon provide point guard Luka Doncic with a lob target at the basket.
Kessler is excited to begin working alongside the six-time All-Star.
“(Doncic) has such a big presence on the court,” Kessler said. “It makes it a lot easier for all four guys around him to do what they need to do. I can play defense for him, set great screens, and get him some assists.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun. I’ve never played with a point guard of that kind of size and stature to where he’s just a matchup nightmare.”
Kessler averaged 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, three assists, 1.8 blocks, and 1.4 steals last season. However, the 24-year-old was limited to just five appearances due to a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
Kessler confirmed Monday that he’s been medically cleared to play following his shoulder surgery in November.
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Source: Sports Basketball – The Score
