Walker Kessler is very confident the Lakers' defense will be 'nasty'

Many people have expressed worry about the Los Angeles Lakers' defense for the upcoming season, with perimeter defense being seen as the biggest factor in their potential lack of championship contention. Although new starting center Walker Kessler, known for his shot-blocking and rim-protecting abilities, is expected to improve their defense, the team is believed to be missing standout perimeter defenders.

Despite signing capable wing defenders Quentin Grimes, Ziaire Williams, and Matisse Thybulle this summer, head coach JJ Redick has not done much to pressure opponents fullcourt or play them tightly on the perimeter in recent years. Kessler, however, is optimistic about the team's defensive capabilities. He believes the Lakers will be "a nasty defensive team" and that their perimeter players are "very smart, positionally, can play really good defense" and have a knack for ball-hawking and generating steals or deflections.

Kessler's rim-protecting skills will allow the Lakers' perimeter players to be more aggressive defensively, potentially leading to improved defensive performance. With a last-season defensive rating of 20th, a middle-of-the-pack ranking could lead to surprising results, especially if the team's offense continues to shine.