Seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry stated that newly signed Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler holds the key to the team’s championship aspirations this season. Kessler returns to the floor after missing nearly all of last year in Utah with a shoulder injury, stepping into the starting center role previously held by Deandre Ayton following a four-year, $129.5 million free-agent deal.
Robert Horry Identifies Walker Kessler as the Key to Lakers Title Hopes
According to comments made on ESPN’s “Mason & Ireland Show” and cited by X user PurpGold, Horry emphasized the unique skill set that the young center brings to the floor. “When you watch what Walker Kessler brings to the game, he’s so incredibly skilled and we haven’t had a big since AD that can block shots like that, pop out for threes,” Horry said during the appearance.
Horry also raised questions about potential rust after the lengthy layoff. “So I just hope he stays healthy — him missing damn near all season, how much rust has he developed?” Horry wondered. Despite the concerns, the former Laker made his stance clear: “So it’s going to be really interesting to see what he can do because he is the key. Not Luka [Doncic], not AR [Austin Reaves], he is.”
Navigating the Western Conference Paint Battle
Horry’s assessment aligns with the physical realities of the Western Conference, which features elite big men across nearly every contender. The conference runs through Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic, while powerhouses like the Oklahoma City Thunder deploy Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves start Rudy Gobert, and the Houston Rockets feature Alperen Sengun.
Last season, the absence of a consistent quality big man proved to be the primary weakness for the Lakers. Under head team leadership, JJ Redick’s squad finished 19th in opponent paint points allowed, giving up 51.5 points per game in the restricted area. That interior vulnerability severely strained the team’s perimeter defense.
Lakers Front Office Hunts for Additional Center Depth
The current center rotation pairs Kessler with three-time NBA champion Kevon Looney. On paper, the pairing provides championship pedigree and interior presence, but relying exclusively on two players recovering from physical setbacks carries significant risk. According to league reporting, Kessler played just five games last season, while Looney appeared in 21 contests before falling out of the rotation in New Orleans under James Borrego.
Recognizing the thin depth at the position, the front office led by Rob Pelinka is actively exploring reinforcements. The Athletic’s Dan Woike reported in late July that “Between Looney’s 21 games and the five Kessler played last season, the Lakers are, according to team and league sources, hunting for reinforcement at the center position.”
Securing an additional body will not prove straightforward for the front office. The league-wide center market remains largely limited, and the Lakers currently carry 16 guaranteed contracts with zero open roster spots. Team insiders suggest management may evaluate the existing 16-man group through training camp before making any roster-trimming trades or waivers ahead of opening night.
Did You Know? The Lakers surrendered 51.5 points in the paint per game last season, ranking 19th in the NBA and highlighting the urgent need for elite rim protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Walker Kessler replace in the starting lineup?
Walker Kessler takes over the starting center role from Deandre Ayton after signing a four-year, $129.5 million free-agent contract with the Lakers.
Why did Walker Kessler miss last season?
Kessler missed nearly the entire previous season in Utah due to a shoulder injury that required surgery.
Who else is in the Lakers center rotation?
The Lakers currently feature Kessler alongside three-time NBA champion Kevon Looney, though the front office continues to search for additional frontcourt depth.
What are your thoughts on Robert Horry’s comments? Can Walker Kessler return to his elite rim-protecting form and carry the Lakers deep into the postseason? Drop a comment below and subscribe to our newsletter for more breaking NBA updates.
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