Robert Horry declares Lakers’ AD-esque figure the ‘key’ instead of Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves

The Los Angeles Lakers will enter the new season with an overhauled roster, leaving Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves with the vital role of leading the transition as the main holdovers from last season.

While the system will heavily revolve around Doncic and Reaves, coach JJ Redick needs everyone else to buy into their specific roles, which will allow the prolific backcourt to dictate the flow.

For Robert Horry, who won three rings with the Lakers, the team’s cornerstone is already clear. Horry said the young addition even reminds him of what Anthony Davis brought to the table for the Purple and Gold.

“When you watch what Walker Kessler brings to the game, he’s so incredibly skilled, and we haven’t had a big since AD who can block shots like that, pop out for threes,” said Horry on “Mason & Ireland.”

Robert Horry on why a healthy Walker Kessler, the Lakers' first real rim-protecting big since AD, is the true swing factor this season (via Mason & Ireland)

"When you watch what Walker Kessler brings to the game, he's so incredibly skilled and we haven't had a big since AD that… pic.twitter.com/UfVb2HLrF4

— 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅 (@PurpGoldLakers) September 6, 2026

Davis helped the Lakers win the title in 2020.

Horry, however, also expressed his main concern about the 25-year-old Kessler, who was limited to just five games with the Utah Jazz last season due to a shoulder injury.

“I just hope he stays healthy. Him missing damn near all season, how much rust has he developed? Will he be able to knock that rust off and come back and be the center that everybody’s expecting him to be? So it’s going to be really interesting to see what he can do because he is the key. Not Luka. Not AR. He is.”

Last season, Kessler was primed for a breakout campaign. He was averaging 14.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.8 blocks in 30.8 minutes before he suffered his shoulder injury.

He is expected to play heavy minutes in his first year in Los Angeles, as the roster’s frontline is lacking in firepower.

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