Kessler, who joined the Lakers this offseason on a four-year, $130 million contract, expressed optimism about his recovery. After participating in Sunday's session with his finger taped, he confirmed he felt ready to contribute. The center noted that his eagerness to return is heightened by the fact that he missed the majority of the 2025-26 season due to a shoulder injury that required surgery.
Evaluating the Return Timeline
While Kessler is physically cleared for full activity, Lakers head coach
Redick declined to confirm whether Kessler will suit up for the upcoming game against the Warriors, noting that the coaching staff will monitor his progress closely over the next 48 hours. The coach emphasized that while Kessler will see live action at some point this week, the team intends to be smart about his reintegration.
Defensive Impact and Roster Adjustments
The Lakers acquired Kessler to provide a significant boost to their defensive unit, which ranked 19th in the league last season. Despite his absence, Kessler praised the defensive intensity shown by his teammates during the preseason, specifically highlighting the contributions of wing defenders like Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams, and Quentin Grimes.
The team has navigated a series of minor injuries throughout camp, including issues for Williams and Collin Sexton. Consequently, Redick has yet to finalize his starting lineup for the regular-season opener against the Warriors in 10 days. Although the coach has already confirmed Kessler, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves as starters, the remaining spots in the rotation remain under evaluation. Reaves expressed confidence in the team's depth, stating that the group is prepared to perform regardless of the final lineup configuration.
