Walker Kessler drops 22 points, nine ‘stocks’

The Lakers have played seven games in November, and Kessler has recorded a double-double in six of them. In addition to the double-doubles, the 7-footer has blocked at least one shot in 11 of 13 games this season. Thus far, Kessler has been everything that fantasy managers hoped he would be in Los Angeles, and then some.

Kessler got off to an outstanding start with 15 first-half points and he managed to pull down just enough rebounds to notch a double-double for the seventh consecutive game since late October. The 25-year-old big man has fit seamlessly into Los Angeles’ nucleus after missing nearly all of last season following shoulder surgery.

The 16 boards were a season-high for Kessler as he recorded his fifth double-digit rebounding performance of his Lakers debut, taking advantage of the absence of Detroit’s powerful center Jalen Duren, who remains out with a hamstring injury. He’s notched all five of those efforts over his last six games since October 30. He came up with a key offensive rebound and converted a three-point play to give the Lakers a commanding eight-point advantage with just over two minutes left in regulation. The Lakers have a three-game week on tap that includes matchups against the Hawks, Bucks and Suns.

After falling two rebounds shy of a double-double in Wednesday’s win over the Kings, Kessler recorded his fourth in the Lakers’ last five games on Friday. The 7-footer hasn’t missed a game this season and has already established good chemistry with Lakers stars Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. Through 10 games, Kessler has been an excellent center for managers punting free-throw percentage.

Walker has really benefited from playing off Luka at this point. His shot attempts are up, he’s been putting up great defensive numbers, especially in this game, and the Lakers have been winning. It is notable that the Lakers’ defensive rating hasn’t been as good as you would want, so his overall impact defensively has been good but not at the level the Lakers need it to be.

Kessler has finally started dominating the glass. He has recorded three straight double-doubles and has at least 15 points and 15 rebounds in each of his last two outings. Kessler has been exactly what the Lakers have needed, and it has worked out well for fantasy managers as well. With Luka Dončić running the offense, Kessler should continue to be a fantasy star.

A favorite of many fantasy managers willing to punt free-throw percentage, Kessler didn’t miss a shot from the field or the foul line on Sunday. Add in the rebounds and blocks, and this was a nice end to the week for those rostering the 7-footer. Kessler, who’s averaging just under three blocks per game, has blocked at least three shots in three games.

Kessler has blocked at least five shots in two games this season and at least one in each of the Lakers’ six games. Add in the rebounds and field-goal percentage, and this was a good night for fantasy managers who are rostering the 7-footer. As long as Kessler can stay healthy, he should provide good value for those punting free-throw percentage. The Lakers end their week with a home game against the Raptors on Sunday.

With the Warriors starting Draymond Green at center, Walker Kessler got whatever he wanted in the paint with plenty of wide-open dunks. His stat line is more about the Warriors than it is about Kessler, but Walker took advantage of the situation, and you’re feeling very happy about his performance.

With Kristaps Porzingis (illness) sidelined, the Warriors will have to rely on Draymond Green and Al Horford at center, offering rookie Yaxel Lendeborg the opportunity to see significant minutes right out of the gate. On the other side of the court, Walker Kessler could be in for a huge night against Golden State’s shorthanded and undersized frontcourt rotation.