Walker Kessler Misses Lakers Preseason Games Due to Injury

Walker Kessler, the center for the Los Angeles Lakers, has not participated in the team's first three preseason games due to a finger injury sustained during training camp. Lakers coach JJ Redick stated, "It’s not concerning. He’ll play in the preseason." The Lakers have two remaining exhibition games, the first against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday in Las Vegas, followed by a game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday at Crypto.com Arena. Kessler had a limited season last year, playing only five games due to a torn labrum that required surgery. He is recognized as an elite rebounder and rim protector, having contested 7.5 shots per game at the rim during the 2024-2025 season, ranking fifth in the NBA. In the recent exhibition game against the Sacramento Kings, Austin Reaves made his debut, contributing eight points, five rebounds, eight assists, and one steal in 25 minutes. Other players, including Ziaire Williams, Arthur Kaluma, Collin Sexton, Cameron Carr, and Dalton Knecht, were also sidelined due to various injuries. Redick expressed a desire to see the team at full strength before the regular-season opener against the Warriors on October 21.