In recent years, the Los Angeles Lakers’ defense has made it impossible for the team to win the NBA title, let alone make it out of the first or second round.
After two back to back disappointing playoff runs, with the 2025 playoffs ending in the first round and the 2026 campaign ending in the second, the team knew it needed to make some changes — especially on the defensive end. In the 2025-26 season, Los Angeles had a league-worst 50.2% field goal percentage to opponents in the fourth quarter.
To remedy this, the Lakers went out and got former 22nd overall pick and fourth-season-center Walker Kessler. Kessler is a seven footer who specializes in defense, known for his elite shot-blocking skills. His career average for blocks is just under 2.3, and last season he ranked sixth in the league overall 1.8 BPG.
Contrast that with last year’s Lakers blocks leader — Deandre Ayton — who was in league with guards and forwards at a measly 1.0 BPG. Walker Kessler will certainly make his presence felt in the interior, and is by far and large a major upgrade in the Lakers defense. If only players were forced to shoot in the paint alone and the Lakers defensive woes were that simple.
Unfortunately for Lakers fans, though, while he’ll give them more interior structure, Kessler does not move the needle on the perimeter. The Lakers were ranked 10th in least number of opponent-made threes per game with 1,050 made threes, and that ranking will not be getting any better with Walker Kessler lacing up for the team.
In fact, it may be getting worse.
The Lakers lost both LeBron James, who had the highest defensive rating on the team last season, and Marcus Smart, who held the second highest defensive rating. Beyond the stats, both LeBron and Smart were strong veteran presences, and losing that on a team that is trying to find its identity is costly.
Still, even though the strongest defensive players are gone, there is still hope. Aside from just Kessler who is 25, they have players such as guard Cameron Carr (21), forward Adou Thiero (22) and their superstar Luka Doncic, who led the NBA in points per game last season.
The Lakers youth has potential to transform the team on both offense and defense into a more athletic, quick team unlike previous years, but this is still not a guarantee. Walker Kessler will still be the biggest question mark, and they will need him to be the defensive anchor for this squad to work.
While Kessler was a strong pickup for the Lakers, the shoes that the franchise hopes he will fill are a few sizes too big. If the team hopes to be competitive this season, they need one or two more pieces, especially since relying on unproven youth is a risky proposition.
Either way, we will have to wait and see if Kessler will be able to serve as a defensive stalwart within his new system, and if the Los Angeles Lakers have a chance to make a deep run for the first time since 2023.