Kessler Channels Shaq With Historic Lakers Debut, Earns Nickname
WHO:
Los Angeles Times - Lakers coach JJ Redick praised Kessler’s end-to-end transition running.
Los Angeles Times - Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves scored 28 and 23 points, respectively, and combined for 13 assists.
Pro Football Network - Walker Kessler made his Lakers debut.
NY Post - Shaq gave Kessler a new nickname.
WHAT:
Los Angeles Times - The Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors 127-105; the Lakers’ record became 1-0.
Los Angeles Times - Kessler added nine rebounds, one assist and two blocks.
Los Angeles Times - Kessler’s 12 made field goals without a miss were the most by a Laker since Wilt Chamberlain in 1969; his 10 dunks were the most by a Laker since Shaquille O’Neal in 2003.
Los Angeles Times - Shaquille O’Neal called Kessler “the best big man in the NBA,” nicknamed him “Milk Chamberlain,” and welcomed him to the “Big Man Alliance.”
Los Angeles Times - The Lakers acquired Kessler from Utah for two first-round draft picks and two first-round pick swaps, then signed him to a four-year, $130-million contract.
Pro Football Network - Kessler scored 26 points, shooting 12-for-12, and recorded 10 dunks in his Lakers debut.
Pro Football Network - The article said Kessler matched historic marks set by Shaquille O’Neal and Wilt Chamberlain.
NY Post - Kessler scored 26 points on perfect shooting and had 10 dunks in his Lakers debut.
NY Post - Kessler received a standing ovation and a “hilarious new nickname” from Shaq.
WHERE:
Los Angeles Times - The game was played at Crypto.com Arena.
Pro Football Network - Kessler made his debut with the Los Angeles Lakers.
NY Post - Kessler made his debut with the Los Angeles Lakers.
WHY:
Los Angeles Times - The Lakers acquired Kessler to pair Doncic with a rim-running, lob-catching center and maximize the star guard’s offensive capabilities.
Pro Football Network - The article described Kessler’s performance as historic because he matched marks associated with Shaquille O’Neal and Wilt Chamberlain.
NY Post - The headline linked Kessler’s nickname to his historic Lakers debut.
Walker Kessler made a spectacular Lakers debut, scoring 26 points without missing a shot as Los Angeles defeated the Golden State Warriors, 127 to 105. He also grabbed nine rebounds, handed out one assist and blocked two shots at Crypto.com Arena. Kessler’s 12-for-12 shooting marked the most field goals without a miss by a Laker since Wilt Chamberlain in 1969, while his 10 dunks were the most by a Laker since Shaquille O’Neal in 2003. Luka Doncic scored 28 points and Austin Reaves added 23; together, they recorded 13 assists. Coach JJ Redick praised Kessler’s end-to-end running in transition. O’Neal called him “the best big man in the NBA,” dubbed him “Milk Chamberlain,” and welcomed him to the “Big Man Alliance.” The Lakers acquired Kessler from Utah to give Doncic a rim-running, lob-catching center, then signed him to a four-year, $130-million contract.