Walker Kessler, the Los Angeles Lakers center, took a full step toward his preseason debut Sunday by practicing without limitations for the first time since jamming his left pinkie finger on the backboard in training camp, according to ESPN. Kessler is questionable for Tuesday’s exhibition against the Golden State Warriors in Las Vegas, per CBS Sports.
Kessler injured the finger while attempting to block a shot during the first two days of camp. He had been sidelined from full practice work since then until Sunday’s session. “It feels good. Fully went today in practice, felt great,” Kessler said.
Kessler’s Finger Status And What Comes Next
CBS Sports reported the injury is not viewed as a long-term concern, and Lakers coach JJ Redick has not ruled out Kessler for Tuesday’s game but has stopped short of committing to it either way. “A lot can happen in 48 hours. We’ll be smart with it.
See how he feels Monday. But not willing to commit to him playing Tuesday or not. He’ll get some live play at some point this week,” Redick said.
Kessler himself described the injury as a precautionary limitation rather than a lingering problem, saying he is itching to get back on the court for the Lakers. The team has two preseason games left to get him on the floor before the regular season begins: Tuesday against the Warriors and Friday at home against the Denver Nuggets.
Lakers’ Frontcourt Picture Without Kessler
Los Angeles has gone 2-1 in the preseason without its new starting center. The Lakers also have been managing training camp injuries to Williams, who has a left foot contusion, and Collin Sexton, who has a right lower leg issue, adding to the list of players Redick has had to navigate through the exhibition slate.
Kessler arrived in Los Angeles via a July sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz that sent two future unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps to Utah. The Lakers then signed him to a four-year, $130 million contract, a deal that signaled how much the organization is counting on him to anchor the middle of its defense.
Season Context: Why Kessler Matters To This Defense
The Lakers brought in Kessler specifically to shore up a defense that ranked 19th out of 30 teams in defensive rating last season. Over four NBA seasons, Kessler has averaged 9.5 points while shooting 68.1% from the field, numbers built largely around rim protection and efficient finishing near the basket.
His availability carries extra weight because 2025-26 was mostly lost to injury. Kessler underwent surgery in November to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder and appeared in just five games for the Jazz that season. Getting him through a clean preseason stretch would mark his first extended on-court run since that surgery.
The stakes extend beyond one center’s health. The Lakers are entering a new chapter after LeBron James departed for the Philadelphia 76ers, with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves now running the show.
What’s Next
Redick said the team would evaluate Kessler’s status Monday before deciding on Tuesday’s game in Las Vegas. If he sits out, Redick indicated Kessler will get some live playing time at some point this week, setting up Friday’s home exhibition against the Nuggets as another target for his preseason debut.
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