SACRAMENTO — Walker Kessler is every bit the rim protector the Lakers hoped for when they invested in acquiring Walker Kessler from the Jazz.
Statistics bear this out.
Opponents shot significantly worse when the 7-foot-2 center was on the floor, and took fewer shots around the rim.
He ranks in the top seven in the league in defensive field goal percentage around the rim.
Kessler blocked four shots in the Lakers’ 116-103 victory over the Kings on Wednesday, a stat that surprised him entering Thursday as he ranked third in blocks per game.
[Victor Wembanyama’s] “Before me,” Kessler said, “who else was before me?”
Kessler added: “But it’s crazy. I thought I was at least second, which is crazy.”
It’s an easy guess that Wembunyama, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, blocked eight shots in the Spurs’ win over the Mavericks on Wednesday and leads the league with 4.5 blocks per game.
The only player averaging more blocks per game than Kessler? Bucks big man Myles Turner came into the game Thursday and averaged 2.8 blocks per game, compared to Kessler’s 2.7.
“Really?” Kessler responded when the message was relayed to him.
Technically, Kessler has blocked more shots this season. He had 24 blocks to Turner’s 22.
But Kessler’s nine games compared to Turner’s eight games give the Bucks center an advantage in terms of average performance over the entire season.
None of them are likely to threaten Wembanyama in terms of blocks per game this season. The Spurs’ 7-4 phenom has led the NBA in statistics every season since becoming the No. 1 pick in 2023. But the battle for the No. 2 pick will be an interesting game to watch.