​LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 21: Walker Kessler #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the second half of a game against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena on October 21, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) GettyEL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Walker Kessler #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers during Los Angeles Lakers Media Day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 28, 2026 in El Segundo, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – MARCH 18: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Houston Rockets during the second half at Toyota Center on March 18, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) GettyThe Los Angeles Lakers traded four first-round picks to add Walker Kessler this summer, also signing him to a four-year, $130 million contract in what the team hoped would guarantee an upgraded defense this season.Four games into the year, that hasn’t been the case, as the Lakers currently rank 22nd in defensive rating and most recently gave up 136 points in a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.On offense, the Lakers remain strong, currently 2nd on that side of the floor as franchise star Luka Doncic is making arguably his best case to win the MVP award of his career. Still, most title-contending teams are successful on defense, and through the Lakers’ first four contests of the season, the team’s numbers on that end of the floor are concerning, to say the least.Lakers Defense With Walker Kessler Hasn’t ImprovedGettyEL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Walker Kessler #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers during Los Angeles Lakers Media Day at UCLA Health Training Center on September 28, 2026 in El Segundo, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
On paper, Kessler is one of the best defensive centers in the NBA. He has a career blocks average of 2.4 per game, and is putting up 2.8 rejections so far this season.However, with only one true player with the ability to make an impact on that side of the ball, Kessler hasn’t done enough to elevate the Lakers on defense as a whole. The front office added wings like Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams to pick up the slack for Doncic and Austin Reaves, but as the statistics show, the team’s defense hasn’t improved.Writing for ESPN before the Lakers’ loss to the Trail Blazers, Dave McMenamin gave a tough outlook on the roster on that side of the floor.“L.A.’s defense hasn’t shown anything yet,” he wrote. “But their wins this season have come against the Golden State Warriors, LA Clipper