Kessler talks up Lakers' title hopes behind 'nasty' defense - ESPN

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Los Angeles Lakers' offense has thrived since Luka Doncic arrived in 2025, but center Walker Kessler needed only one day of training camp to be convinced the team's defense will hold up its end of the bargain this season.

«Listen, I think we're going to be a nasty defensive team,» Kessler said Tuesday. «I think people aren't taking into account how good our perimeter defense is going to be. A lot of guys are very smart on the perimeter and positionally can play really good defense. We have guys who are just ball hawks.»

During JJ Redick's two seasons as coach, the Lakers have ranked above average in offensive efficiency and below average in defensive efficiency. After a transformative summer that saw the departure of LeBron James and several other veteran players, the Lakers are hoping to establish a more aggressive defensive identity with a rebuilt roster that includes Doncic, guard Austin Reaves, Kessler and a deep group of young wings.

Redick said Tuesday that his first goal during training camp was to «establish our defensive principles.» With both forward spots in the starting lineup open for competition, Redick said he met with the team's wings last week to give them their marching orders.

«They understood the assignment today,» he said. «That was exciting. They set the tone for us defensively. There was a lot of physicality, a lot of grabbing and holding, and a lot of disruption without gambling.»

The 7-foot-2 Kessler, who was traded by the Utah Jazz to the Lakers this summer, will serve as the back-line rim protector after averaging 2.4 blocks per game during his first four seasons.

«The paint is kind of closed when [Kessler] is on the court,» Doncic said.

From there, Doncic's remade