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Walker Kessler forced to face reality after Nikola Jokic whooping

Walker Kessler’s return to the court after a 347-day absence came with a reality check in his second preseason outing. The Los Angeles Lakers big man, acquired this offseason in a sign-and-trade with Utah for a four-year, $130 million deal, showed flashes of his elite rim protection and rebounding in a 101-89 exhibition loss to the Warriors, where his presence shifted the Lakers’ defense from a 20-point deficit to a 15-point advantage in just 16 minutes.

However, his follow-up performance against the Denver Nuggets on Friday exposed lingering rust, as Kessler managed just six points on 2-for-8 shooting in 31 minutes during a 121-106 loss—though he still contributed six rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. The real test came in the form of Nikola Jokic, who dominated with 17 points, eight assists, and six rebounds in the same span, showcasing why the three-time MVP remains the league’s most formidable big man.

Kessler acknowledged the challenge, calling Jokic ‘arguably the best big in the league’ and noting the value of facing such competition before the regular season begins. His preseason debut had been strong, but Friday’s game underscored the work ahead as he adjusts to the physical and tactical demands of elite play after an extended layoff.

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