The Lakers have long coveted Walker Kessler, trying unsuccessfully to acquire him on multiple occasions.

After Wednesday night’s outing at the Delta Center, Los Angeles probably regretted not meeting the Jazz’s steep asking price for the young center.

Kessler was outstanding in Utah’s 131-119 win over the Lakers, scoring 18 points with eight rebounds, two steals and a season-high six blocks.

Up Next – Game Recap: Lakers 132, Jazz 113

According to StatMuse, his performance made him the first NBA player this season to record five or more blocks without missing a single field goal.

“The craziest part about Walker defensively is he can still be so much better,” Jazz coach Will Hardy said after the game. “I’ve talked with Walker about the difference between being a great defensive player and being a great shot blocker. I think all signs are that he is really trying to be a high-level defensive player all around.”

Jazz compile complete team effort for 131-119 victory over Lakers

Five of Kessler’s blocks came in the first half alone, where the Lakers scored a paltry 16 points in the paint. He even swatted new Lakers superstar Luka Doncic on two different occasions — once on a floating layup, and another at the perimeter on a 29-foot 3-point attempt.

Los Angeles attempted just 20% of its shots at the rim against the Jazz, a far cry from the team’s season average of 32% per game. Kessler’s presence alone forced the Lakers into considerable offensive discomfort, and when factoring in Utah’s effective zone defense, LeBron James and company were often left bewildered.

“His activity around the basket, his ability to make plays at the basket that inspire his teammates and get our crowd going, those are big plays,” Hardy said. “A lot of times relying on Walker at the rim means there’s probably been a mess that’s been made, and he’s there to clean up those messes. He does a really good job.

“I’m on him constantly because I think that he can be such a high-level defensive player, and I think that he’s shown the signs to go that way,” Hardy continued. “Six blocks is obviously a big number, but I’m always interested when I go back and watch the film and see the shots that he alters and shots that they don’t take (against Kessler), guys driving don’t even look at the rim because they see Walker coming.”

On the offensive end, Kessler exploited the Lakers’ lack of an effective post defender by getting free for eight dunks, never even having the opportunity to miss a shot.

Of the collective 26 assists between Jordan Clarkson, Isaiah Collier and Keyonte George Wednesday night, seven resulted in Kessler baskets, with six coming on alley-oops and lobs.

Kessler’s third NBA campaign has been his best by far. Bouncing back from last year’s sophomore slump, the Auburn product is posting career bests in points (11.3), rebounds (11.8), offensive rebounds (4.5) while tying his personal high for blocks (2.4) and shooting 71.8% from the field.

Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) dunks the ball against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News
Given how many teams the Jazz reportedly rebuffed in trade talks for Kessler, Utah clearly pictures the elite rim protector as part of its long-term plans. Wednesday’s showing against the Lakers offered a glimpse of just how high his ceiling truly is.

Such a ceiling could include something the Jazz have only seen three times since 2008: a triple double.

Both Andrei Kirilenko and Mark Eaton (six times) accomplished the feat for Utah with 10 blocks, and Kessler did it twice during his sophomore season in college.

With five first-half rejections against the Lakers on Wednesday, perhaps Kessler swats his way into double figures eventually — if opponents dare challenge him down low.

“(A triple double) would be awesome,” Kessler said with a laugh. “I’m not really searching for it, but you know, if it happens, it happens. I know I say this all the time, so I’m sure you’ll get tired of it, but I think I play my best when I’m just trying to have fun and win, you know, and compete.”