The Los Angeles Lakers hit the road on Sunday afternoon for their first away contest of the season against the Utah Jazz. This game marked the return of Walker Kessler to face his old team after he was signed and traded to the Lakers this offseason.
Many were wondering what the fan reception would be like for Kessler in Utah after he forced his way off the rebuilding Jazz, and the answer was: not very welcome.
Mixed crowd reaction for Walker Kessler during Lakers starting lineup intros in his return to Utah 🔊
(via @jennamfink) pic.twitter.com/GqHtRFryKd
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 25, 2026
The Jazz put a “Welcome Back Walker Kessler” message on the big screen during his introduction, but not all of the Utah fans in attendance were feeling the homecoming words, as Kessler didn't exactly lead the Jazz back to prominence during his time there, and made no secret of the fact that he wanted to be on the Lakers this summer.
That ultimately came to fruition over the offseason, with Los Angeles paying a premium price to bring him in, although he has made good on that hefty price so far, recently going 12/12 in his first game as a member of the Lakers in a blowout win over the Golden State Warriors.
Article Continues BelowThe Lakers as a whole sit at 2-0 entering this matchup, although they have faced two likely non-playoff teams in the Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers to open up their season, a trend that will continue with Sunday's game in Utah.
In any case, up next for the Lakers after this game is a home game against the Portland Trail Blazers back in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening.