Walker Kessler doesn’t want to let the Los Angeles Lakers down, as he begins a new chapter in his NBA career.
Kessler was acquired by the Lakers via a blockbuster summer trade with the Utah Jazz. Los Angeles gave up quite a draft capital to pry the former Auburn Tigers big man away from Salt Lake City, sending two unprotected first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps to the Jazz.
Kessler is very much aware of the assets the Lakers willingly gave up to acquire him, and he wants to repay Los Angeles’ trust in him with strong play on the court.
“It makes you feel a certain way when you know an organization believes in you,” Kessler said, via Ben Golliver of ESPN.
“With what [the Lakers] have invested, they’re showing that belief, in a monetary value. Not just with money, but in [draft] assets. If I know they have that belief in me, I’m going to run through a brick wall for them. That’s how I’ve been wired my whole life.”
Now that he’s with the Lakers, Kessler will experience more intense pressure, as Los Angeles fans expect nothing less than a championship from the team every season, regardless of roster composition.
Simply put, it is a far different environment from what he was used to with the Jazz, who did not make the playoffs at any point during his time with the team.
In 201 games with the Jazz, Kessler put up averages of 9.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks.
