Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal isn’t known to dish out much praise to today’s big men, but Walker Kessler’s regular-season debut with the Los Angeles Lakers blew him away. Kessler dominated as the Lakers crushed the Golden State Warriors 127-105 at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday, and O’Neal made a bold claim about him on Inside the NBA.

“For so long, the Lakers big men have been historical and dominant,” O’Neal said. “Walker Kessler is the best big man in the NBA. You heard it here, and I’m not playing.”

A lot of great big men have suited up for the Lakers over the years. We’re talking about O’Neal, George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Pau Gasol, and Anthony Davis. This, in turn, means there is a lot of pressure when a new one walks through the door.

The Lakers gave up a lot for Kessler in the summer, too, sending two unprotected first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps to the Utah Jazz. They also handed the big man a massive four-year, $130 million contract in the sign-and-trade.

So, a lot was expected from Kessler, and he didn’t disappoint on his debut. The 25-year-old put up 26 points (12-12 FG), nine rebounds, one assist, and two blocks against the Warriors in 30 minutes.

Kessler had 10 dunks against the Warriors, the most by a Laker in a game since O’Neal in 2003. Also, only one player in franchise history has shot better than 12-12 from the field, and that was Chamberlain (14-14) in 1969. This is not bad company to keep.

Now, is Kessler actually the best big man in the NBA, as O’Neal claims? He isn’t. Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama are the two best centers by a country mile, but Kessler certainly deserves respect. O’Neal gave him a lot of that when he appeared on Inside the NBA.

“The way you played tonight, you played like the best big man in the league,” O’Neal said. “I’m happy for you. I’m proud of you. I’ve said during halftime, you’re not going to get a lot of touches, but when you do get your opportunities, you’re a great finisher. You play like a big man. Welcome to the Big Man Alliance. I love you, brother. Continue to play well.”

Hearing such words from one of the greatest big men in NBA history meant a lot to Kessler. O’Neal also hilariously told him the team needs to embrace the “Snowtime Lakers” label and gave him a new nickname.

“Your new nickname is Milk Chamberlain,” O’Neal said. “… I love you, Milk.”

A lot of Lakers fans are probably in love with Kessler, too. This was about as good as a debut can get.

 

Luka Doncic On Walker Kessler’s Debut

Lakers superstar Luka Doncic had pushed the front office to get Kessler, and the Slovenian was a happy man after the game. Doncic was asked in his postgame interview to grade the big man’s debut, and gave him an A+.

“A+ for sure today,” Doncic said, via ESPN. “I think he had a great game. We were working on reading different defenses, so what he did today was unbelievable for us.”

Doncic had eight assists against the Warriors, and five of them were to Kessler. The six-time All-Star tends to get the best out of big men, and this could be the start of a formidable partnership.

While Kessler has been showered with praise from all corners, the man himself gave credit to his teammates postgame for making life easy on the court.

“I’m extremely thankful playing with the guys that we have on our team,” Kessler said, via Infanity TV. “I wish I could say it was really difficult, but their court vision’s insane. So they know my advantage is my height. So yeah, they found me in the right spots.”

Lakers head coach JJ Redick felt Kessler’s end-to-end running in transition got him going on his debut. When the big man was informed of those comments, he had time for jokes.

“Contrary to my name, I run a lot,” Kessler said. “… I’m glad y’all got that. I’ve always been like that. I think when I run, it keeps me engaged in the game. I mean, there’s many times where I’ll run needlessly, just because every once in a while one might come off the rim, whether on offense or defense. You might get a rebound or a putback, and then it opens up a lot of the shooters on the perimeter.”

The Lakers wouldn’t mind the needless running. They desperately needed energy and quality at the center position and have got it with him.

Now, getting off to a great start is ideal, but Kessler has to keep up the good work. He and the 1-0 Lakers will take on the Los Angeles Clippers next at Crypto.com Arena on Friday at 10 p.m. ET.