- Walker Kessler is back in full practice, and the Lakers are treating that update as more than a simple injury checkpoint.
- After missing the first three preseason games with a finger injury, Kessler is now pushing to make his preseason debut, while the Lakers are also working through what their lineups look like if he is not available.
- With only two exhibition games left — Tuesday night against the Golden State Warriors and Friday against the Denver Nuggets — there is not much time left for the Lakers to see him in game action before the regular season begins.
- Head coach JJ Redick said the hope is to have the full roster available for one of those final two games.
- Without him, the Lakers have lacked center depth, with Kevon Looney and Sandro Mamukelashvili getting a majority of those minutes.
- For the Lakers, that eagerness matters because the calendar is almost out of runway.
- They are waiting on positive injury news on both Kessler and Collin Sexton, and the final two preseason games may be the last chance to see how the roster fits before the games start to count.
Walker Kessler’s Return Gives Lakers a Final Preseason Test — and a Lineup Problem to Solve
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Sources & Referenced Reporting
- lakersnation.com, “Walker Kessler Returns To Full Practice; Eager To Make Lakers Preseason Debut,” Oct. 12, 2026.
- lakersnation.com, “JJ Redick Details Keys To Lakers’ Lineups Without Walker Kessler,” Oct. 11, 2026.
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