Lakers’ Walker Kessler Eyes 3‑Point Leap Under JJ Redick

Inside‑Out Potential for a Shot‑Blocking Big

Walker Kessler is the Los Angeles Lakers’ starting center and a proven shot‑blocker and rebounder. He already shows off‑court skills, converting lob passes into dunks and creating easy baskets on the fast break. However, his offensive arsenal has lagged behind his defensive credentials over the past four seasons.

In the five games he managed before shoulder surgery sidelined him, Kessler connected on six of eight attempts from deep. While the sample is tiny, the numbers suggest he may be ready to stretch the floor. Coach JJ Redick has made it clear he wants Kessler to develop that outside threat.

“Coach JJ is obviously hyper‑intelligent and obviously being a shooter himself we’ve talked about it and he wants me to be able to do that,” Kessler said at his first media availability. “Because I think, for a big to be able to stretch the floor like that, or even have the threat of it, I think it makes other team’s scout really difficult. Whether I can do that on pop, or catch on the pop, go second-side or be able to roll. Both of those things are gonna be really important.”

Why 3‑Point Shooting Matters for LA

The NBA rewards teams that can stretch defenses, especially when they feature elite playmakers like Luka Doncic. The Lakers finished 14th in 3‑point shooting and 24th in attempts last season, ranking that reflected a lack of spacing. Adding a big who can knock down threes gives Los Angeles the versatility to create easier looks for its star guard.

Kessler’s career averages sit at 9.5 points per game on a 68.1% clip, 9.3 rebounds, 2.4 blocks and 25.3 minutes of action. Those numbers paint a picture of a useful interior presence, yet some analysts still question how much impact he’ll have.

The center’s size, length and defensive instincts are exactly what the Lakers have chased for years, and his newfound focus on the perimeter could make him a cornerstone of the franchise’s rebuilding effort. Even modest progress on the jumper would force opponents to adjust, opening lanes for his teammates.

From Doubt to Floor‑Stretching Threat

Despite lingering doubts, Kessler’s blend of shot‑blocking, rebounding and now peripheral shooting aligns with the modern NBA’s demand for versatile big men. If he builds on his six‑for‑eight three‑point showing, he could become the missing piece the Lakers have been searching for.

The upcoming season will be a gauge of whether his development under JJ Redick’s guidance translates into consistent outside shooting. Fans and scouts will be watching closely, hoping the potential hidden in hisStatistical line becomes a reality on the court.

The story first surfaced on LeBron Wire, where the narrative of Kessler’s offensive evolution under Redick’s guidance was highlighted.