Apologies to the Utah Jazz fanbase. Last night was a rough watch, but hey, it's only the season opener. Unfortunately, what rubbed salt on the wound was that Walker Kessler looked amazing in his debut with the Los Angeles Lakers. He shot a perfect 12-for-12 from the floor for 26 points to go with nine rebounds and two blocks.
No, the Jazz did not make a mistake letting him go. In fact, the knowledge that he planned to take the qualifying offer so he could enter restricted free agency in 2027 further shows they got ahead of what could have been a disaster.
But last night reflected on something else: Kessler wanting to play for the Lakers had nothing to do with a desire to leave the Jazz. At least, not primarily. It more reflected on his desire to play next to Luka Doncic because, man, that duo looks like a perfect fit. Not only did Kessler put up an awesome statline, but his 10 dunks were the most by a Laker since Shaq did it in 2003.
And it's no surprise either because, well, it's Luka Doncic. One of the best playmakers ever. His gravity as a scorer and a passer have historically made the big men he's played with look better than they were (sans Kristaps Porzingis).
So the takeaway here is that it was nothing personal against Utah (even if he was frustrated they didn't extend him) and more about playing with someone who gets the most out of him, like Luka.
Kessler's role is simple but effective
It's not like Kessler suddenly developed the best post-game of all time. Most of his shots were dunks either form lobs or he was wide open down low. That's the benefit from playing with someone like Luka. Opponents are so afraid of him that Kessler simply has to find the right spot and wait for the ball to find him.
Let's be honest: while he still would have been a valuable cog with Utah, it would not have been so easy for him to put up the kind of numbers he just did for the Lakers. The Jazz simply don't have that kind of player that possesses that kind of gravity that prime Luka does... yet.
The irony in all of this is that Kessler showed a leap might be coming on his end, but not because of any internal improvements, but because he's playing next to the player that's going to make him look better than he is.
Don't get it twisted, though. Kessler looking good doesn't make Utah look bad. When this is all over, this situation could be win-win for all sides involved.
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