{
  "id": 14387839,
  "title": "JJ Redick drops verdict on Walker Kessler’s Lakers preseason debut",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/jj-redick-drops-verdict-on-walker-kesslers-lakers-preseason-debut",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-14T06:45:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/jj-redick-drops-verdict-walker-064525991.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "JJ Redick, the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, expressed his satisfaction with Walker Kessler's preseason debut against the Golden State Warriors. Kessler, who had been out due to a finger injury, played in the Lakers' first three exhibition games before making his preseason debut against the Warriors. Despite the team's loss, 101-89, Kessler put up a strong performance, scoring 11 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and contributing in defense with a steal and a block. Redick was particularly impressed with Kessler's ability to run the floor, crash the offensive glass, and clean up offensive boards, noting that he had a particularly good first half. Redick emphasized that Kessler is a great fit for the Lakers, highlighting his impact on both ends of the court, and expressed optimism about Kessler's potential to elevate the team's performance, especially with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves providing him with easy scoring opportunities.",
  "summary": "The Los Angeles Lakers have been very cautious with Walker Kessler, their marquee offseason acquisition, during preseason, holding him out for their first three exhibition contests. Kessler had been dealing with a finger injury, but head coach JJ Redick wasn’t very concerned and made sure to say that he’ll be suiting up in at least one preseason […] The post JJ Redick drops verdict on Walker…",
  "key_points": [
    "JJ Redick praises Walker Kessler's preseason debut.",
    "Kessler scores 11 points, grabs 9 rebounds in debut.",
    "Redick believes Kessler is a great fit for Lakers."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Kessler's ability to impact both ends of the floor suggests he will serve as a vital interior presence for a Lakers roster looking to maximize scoring opportunities.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}