Walker Kessler’s finger injury is “not concerning” and the new Lakers center will play at some point in the preseason, per JJ Redick.
There is nothing to worry about with Walker Kessler amid the ongoing absence of the new Los Angeles Lakers big man.
Position
C
Age
25
Height
213 cm
Weight
111 kg
Birth place
Atlanta, United States of America
JJ Redick set the record straight about Kessler’s finger issues before the Lakers’ Thursday preseason game against the Sacramento Kings.
The Lakers coach assured that Kessler will make an appearance in the team’s remaining exhibition games ahead of the upcoming regular season.
“We got to check in tomorrow, but I think it’s not concerning,” Redick told reporters in pregame.
“He’ll play in the preseason.”
Walker Kessler dealing with finger issues, has yet to play in Lakers preseason
Walker Kessler has yet to play for the Los Angeles Lakers this preseason. The big man has already been ruled out of Thursday’s home game against the Sacramento Kings.
Kessler hit and jammed his finger on the backboard during a Lakers practice session, which forced him to be sidelined amid anticipation for his debut with LA.
Kessler joined the Lakers this past offseason via a blockbuster sign-and-trade deal with the Utah Jazz, inking a four-year, $130 million contract extension.
The big man has a lot to prove this season given the costs the Lakers had to pay just to acquire him. Kessler appeared in just five games in 2025-26 after a season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.
With Redick giving a positive statement, the Lakers can at least be calm for now regarding Kessler’s condition and availability.
The Lakers still have two more games left to play in the preseason, facing both the Golden State Warriors and the Denver Nuggets next week.
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