For the 2026-27 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers will be relying on their new starting center, Walker Kessler. He comes to the Lakers as a center with a lot to prove, as he now has a huge role ahead of him with his new team.

During his time with the Utah Jazz, Kessler did not have to meet lofty expectations. Now, he has to be the starting center who will have to defend the toughest big men in the league. This includes Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic, who is notoriously one of the league's toughest matchups.

Walker Kessler speaks on how tough the Nikola Jokic matchup truly is

Kessler has always been a reliable big man, especially with his ability to defend other centers. Of course, he can't stop everyone, but he does his best against some of the toughest matchups. 

That includes Jokic, who is one of the league's most imposing matchups. He is not just a powerful big man, but he is also extremely skilled, so being physical is not the only way to throw him off.

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In the Lakers' final preseason game, they lost to the Nuggets 121-106. Jokic played well, as he posted a stat line of 17 points, six rebounds, and eight assists.

He also only missed one shot, which just showed how impressive he can be despite a matchup against a good defender like Kessler. As the primary matchup, Kessler knew he had to learn from the duel against Jokic.

"It knocked off a lot of rust. There's a pile in my locker. There's a reason why he is who he is. He's arguably the best big in the league and best player in the league," Kessler said about playing against Jokic.

"I would argue Luka's better obviously for obvious reasons, but I mean he's an exceptional player. It's been a long time since I've really competed against someone like that, since November basically of last year. So definitely was nice to get that in before it actually counts."

Now, Kessler will have to get back up and have better performances in the regular season. He has shaken the cobwebs off in preseason, so now, it's time to face the music and play at the highest level possible with the Lakers.

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