Walker Kessler puts up 15/15 double-double vs. MIA

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.

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.

Nights like Friday are what fantasy managers hoped for when Kessler made the move to Los Angeles in free agency. He dominated the Clippers, shooting efficiently and recording nine “stocks.” Kessler isn’t a great foul shooter, but fantasy managers usually punt that category when rostering him. He’ll look to finish Week 1 on a high note when the Lakers visit the Jazz, Kessler’s former team, 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.

Suiting up for the first time as a Laker, Kessler was able to produce at a high level in just 16 minutes. He was able to showcase his fantasy appeal, even with Luka Dončić getting a rest night. That pick-and-roll duo should be excellent for fantasy managers, and Kessler has a chance to finally cash in on the fantasy potential that he showcased during his first two seasons.