Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler is raring to return to action after missing all but five games last season due to a shoulder injury.

A change of scenery with the Lakers could be the perfect opportunity for Kessler, who signed a 4-year, $130 million contract in July. The Lakers acquired him via a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz for draft capital.

The 25-year-old pivot is expected to be productive under coach JJ Redick's system, especially since the roster is thin at center. Redick, however, stated that he is more excited to see Kessler's holistic growth with the Purple and Gold.

“I look at him as a two-way talent. I think the fit is exciting. The person is really exciting. So typically, in terms of development, we look at development as developing the whole person, not just the skill set,” said Redick in a video posted by the California Post's Khobi Price.

“The person is who we are really excited to have in our program.”

"The fit is exciting. The person is really exciting." – JJ Redick on what excites him the most about Walker Kessler pic.twitter.com/oT2hJQkVDD

— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) September 29, 2026

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Kessler was on his way to a breakout campaign last season, averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.8 blocks before the shoulder injury.

Now, he looks to pick up right where he left off. He even made a confident remark.

“I think we're gonna be a nasty defense this season. A lot of guys are very smart on the perimeter, positionally. (They) can play really good defense. Then we've got guys who are just ball hawks who just hound the ball,” said Kessler in a report from The Sporting Tribune's Fredo Cervantes.

The Lakers will host the Golden State Warriors on October 21.