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10/21 23:48 CDT Walker Kessler has perfect Lakers debut with 12-for-12 shooting
in 127-105 win over Warriors
Walker Kessler has perfect Lakers debut with 12-for-12 shooting in 127-105 win
over Warriors
By GREG BEACHAM
AP Sports Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) --- Walker Kessler scored 26 points on 12-for-12 shooting and
grabbed nine rebounds during his auspicious debut for the Los Angeles Lakers in
a 127-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night.
Luka Doncic scored 28 points in three quarters and Austin Reaves added 23 as
the Lakers began life after LeBron James with a thrashing of the Warriors, who
got 23 points from Stephen Curry to begin his 18th season.
The 7-foot-2 Kessler was an immediate force around both rims for the Lakers,
who traded a bounty of draft capital to Utah to fill Doncic's desire for a top
center. Kessler's 12 shots without a miss were the second-most in Lakers
history, trailing only a 14-for-14 performance by Wilt Chamberlain in March
1969.
Although Kessler hadn't played in a competitive game since last Halloween due
to injury, he slammed down a lob from Doncic on LA's opening possession and
never slowed down, repeatedly finishing his teammates' passes while the Lakers
rolled away.
Doncic scored 23 points in the first half while engaging in a prolonged
physical and verbal confrontation with Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who got
a technical foul for something he said during their exchanges. Doncic capped
the chippy matchup with flair, banking in a half-court shot at the buzzer and
then gleefully pointing at the fuming rookie.
Doncic also had eight rebounds and seven assists before getting to sit out the
fourth quarter of his first competitive game since April 2. He has returned as
the Lakers' clear centerpiece with James' departure for Philadelphia --- and
with Kessler as a compelling teammate.
Lendeborg scored 12 points in the 11th overall pick's debut. Brandon Williams
added 14 points.
Golden State opened without Brandin Podziemski (back) along with veterans Jimmy
Butler, Kristaps Porzingis and Moses Moody, who all have long-term injuries.
The Lakers were without new guard Collin Sexton (calf) and first-round pick
Cameron Carr (oblique), and swingman Jake LaRavia left the court limping in the
fourth quarter.
Up next Warriors: Host Memphis on Friday. Lakers: Host Clippers on Friday. ___ See AP's full NBA coverage here
Up next Warriors: Host Memphis on Friday. Lakers: Host Clippers on Friday. ___ See AP's full NBA coverage here
