Silver Screen and Roll
A Blog devoted to Lakers News, Commentary, and Analysis
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Walker Kessler knows there will be a ‘transitional period’ of learning to play with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves
Walker Kessler admits there will be a learning curve as he adjusts to playing with Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves after only two preseason games together. He highlights the need to sync on pick‑and‑roll timing, screen angles, and short‑roll options, noting his early assists came from cutting rolls to Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle. Kessler says the trio’s chemistry will improve with time, especially as opponents target Dončić and Reaves. The Lakers hope the emerging trio can click before their first big test against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.
Walker Kessler is embracing playing for a storied franchise in the Lakers
Walker Kessler, the 25‑year‑old center acquired in a blockbuster summer trade, embraces the pressure of joining the Los Angeles Lakers. Coach JJ Redick says Kessler is backed by a strong support system—including his agent Aaron Mintz—and is ready to honor the franchise’s big‑man legacy. Kessler views the spotlight as an opportunity, not a burden, and aims to make Lakers fans proud. After two preseason appearances, he will debut against the Golden State Warriors in his first regular‑season game.
Will the Lakers’ preseason approach come back to haunt them?
The Lakers overhauled their roster this offseason and tried to build chemistry through a Las Vegas minicamp and a bonding trip to Slovenia, but a fragmented preseason has left them short on on‑court reps. Injuries and cautious rest kept key players like Collin Sexton, Walker Kessler, Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves out of multiple games, with only four roster spots seeing action in every contest. The article questions whether this lack of continuity will hurt Los Angeles as they head into a soft opening schedule and a grueling 82‑game season.
Lakers looking for ‘workable trade’ to send out Dalton Knecht, acquire center
The Lakers are scrambling to trade guard Dalton Knecht before the regular season begins, aiming to cut their roster from 16 to 15 guaranteed contracts. Reports suggest a possible deal with the Milwaukee Bucks that would bring center Jericho Sims to Los Angeles, though the Lakers may also consider other front‑court options. Knecht, a 2024 No. 17 pick who once exploded for 37 points against Utah, has seen his minutes evaporate due to defensive lapses and modest shooting (36.8% from three). If a trade isn’t finalized, the team will likely waive him by the cut‑down deadline.
5 winners and losers from the Lakers’ preseason
The Lakers' preseason revealed new front-runners and fading roles ahead of the 2026‑27 campaign. Sandro Mamukelashvili dazzles with versatile scoring and an eye‑popping reverse dunk, instantly becoming a fan favorite. Ziaire Williams impresses despite a minor injury and is poised for a starting spot after his Nets release. Jake LaRavia shows a revived shot and confidence, hinting at a larger wing role. In contrast, Jarred Vanderbilt sees minimal minutes as Coach JJ Redick trims his role, while fringe players Jaden Hardy and Dalton Knecht struggle for roster spots, with both likely to miss the final cut.
The Lakers appear to be really high on Adou Thiero
The Los Angeles Lakers are betting on sophomore forward Adou Thiero after a promising preseason showing. Injuries sidelined him most of his rookie year, but his recent minutes at Crypto.com Arena highlight his elite athleticism and wing versatility—skills the Lakers lacked last season. Dan Woike of The Athletic noted Thiero’s “pop and athleticism” as a key reason the team isn’t desperate for a Jonathan Kuminga replacement. If Thiero continues to improve his skill set, he could become a core piece for LA in the 2026‑27 campaign.
Ziaire Williams emerges as fan-favorite for Lakers’ fifth starter
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. The Los Angeles Lakers’ preseason officially came to a close with their 121-106 loss to the […]
The Lakers got no love in the annual GM survey
Each year, the NBA’s general manager (GM) survey gives the top decision-makers across franchises a chance to show either how little they know or how petty they can be. The Lakers tend to be a target of the nonsense, given their stature and how many teams they’ve angered throughout the year. This time around, though, […]
Lakers close preseason with loss to Nuggets
In their final preseason tune-up, the Lakers played from behind for much of the night before falling to the Nuggets, 121-106. Offensive shortcomings to open the game put LA behind the eight ball and forced them to dig out of a hole they never could get out of. They finished the night shooting 42.7% from […]
JJ Redick may have tipped his hand on the Lakers starting lineup
Masked in his tongue-in-cheek promise that the Lakers would not have an all-white starting five was that the opening lineup was not set. The given was that Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler would comprise 60% of the group. The assumption was that Quentin Grimes would fill one of the final two spots while […]
Lakers called Wolves about potential Naz Reid trade during offseason
The Lakers’ roster overhaul this summer brought many unlikely or unfamiliar faces to Los Angeles in a flurry. But before their free agent frenzy, which included big deals to Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes, and Collin Sexton, they made a call for a more well-known name. On Friday’s episode of “The Zach Lowe Show,” Dan Woike […]
The Credits: Back where we left off
Very long-time readers of Silver Screen & Roll might remember The Credits. If you don’t, you’d be forgiven, considering it’s been over 10 years since the last one was posted. Back then, The Credits was a daily post with lots of links to postgame coverage of Lakers games to box scores of other games around […]
Lakers have talked to Bucks about Jericho Sims trade, pessimism on trade being completed
As it currently stands, the Los Angeles Lakers’ center room features Walker Kessler, Kevon Looney and Sandro Mamukelashvili. Kessler, of course, is a locked-in starter while Looney and Mamukelashvili will split time as the reserves depending on matchups and game flow, given Mamukelashvili is a small-ball 5 and Looney is the traditional option. But according […]
Lakers vs. Nuggets Preseason Preview: The final dress rehearsal
The Lakers are down to one last preseason game which will be against the Denver Nuggets on Friday. The purple and gold will be back on their home floor for this one. Start time and TV schedule Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets When: 7:30 p.m. PT, Oct 16 Where: Crypto.com Arena Watch: ESPN, Spectrum Sportsnet Just […]
Collin Sexton ‘trending in right direction’ for debut
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — On the eve of their final preseason game against the Denver Nuggets, the Los Angeles Lakers are more concerned with getting healthy than using it as a dress rehearsal. The Lakers have been shuffling through different lineups and players through the first four games, but haven’t gotten a clear look at […]
Sandro Mamukelashvili has a lot of respect for Austin Reaves
Sandro Mamukelashvili has showed off the full complement of his vast offensive arsenal thus far in the preseason. Playing 20 minutes per game, he’s averaging 13.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists (1.8 turnovers). Aside from the box-score production, he’s been incredibly efficient, shooting 10-of-18 (55.6%) on 2-pointers and 10-of-17 (58.8%) beyond the arc. Throughout […]
Walker Kessler says injury has made him hungrier to win every game this season
Through the first three seasons of Walker Kessler’s NBA career, he averaged 65 games played per year. Last season, however, a torn labrum in his left shoulder spoiled his campaign before November arrived and he only suited up for five games. After the lengthy layoff, he’s back and equipped with a newfound drive to help […]
The Lakers are already seeing early success with Walker Kessler in the pick and roll
The Los Angeles Lakers welcomed their prized offseason addition, Walker Kessler, to the floor in Tuesday night’s contest against the Golden State Warriors as the 25-year-old center made his preseason debut. During 16 first-half minutes, he recorded 11 points (4-of-6 shooting), nine rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal before sitting out the second […]
Who will be the Lakers’ fifth starter this season?
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Lakers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys. We are officially a week away from the Los Angeles Lakers opening the season against the […]
JJ Redick admitted that Bronny James has struggled in preseason, but still not concerned
Through four preseason appearances, the initial in-game returns for Bronny James Jr. aren’t ideal. He’s gone 4-of-15 from the floor (1-of-7 beyond the arc) and dished out 13 assists to 12 turnovers. While Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick acknowledged James’s struggles, he added some context to help explain the slow start. “I thought […]
JJ Redick wants Walker Kessler to be relentless this season
The Los Angeles Lakers are expecting big things of Walker Kessler this season. They love both his skill-set and how it fits alongside their star duo of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. It’s why they were willing to send a pair of first-round picks and first-round pick swaps to the Utah Jazz while inking Kessler […]
Walker Kessler said it was ‘a lot of fun’ to be back on basketball court again
For the first time in 11.5 months, Walker Kessler suited up for an NBA basketball game Tuesday night against the Golden State Warriors. Making his Los Angeles Lakers preseason debut, the 25-year-old was mighty productive in just 16 minutes of action, tallying 11 points (4-of-6 shooting), nine rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal. […]
The Lakers are adding off-ball actions for Luka Dončić
Through three preseason games, the Lakers have yet to see their big three share the floor for a single second. While Walker Kessler made his preseason debut on Tuesday, Luka Dončić sat, delaying the first look at the team’s new core. Meanwhile, newly signed guard Collin Sexton has yet to play through the exhibition slate. […]
Walker Kessler shines in debut, Lakers fall to Warriors
A second-half rally by the Warriors saw them pick up a second win of the preseason against the Lakers, 101-89. In a game highlighted by Walker Kessler’s debut for the purple and gold, LA built up a 20-point lead with the regular rotation players on the floor. However, the drop-off to the bench was drastic […]
Walker Kessler to make preseason debut vs. Warriors, Luka Dončić out
After missing the team’s first three preseason games, Walker Kessler will finally make his preseason debut for the Lakers against the Warriors on Tuesday. Kessler had been out with a jammed finger suffered during training camp. However, LA will not have the full Big 3 available as Luka Dončić, Collin Sexton, Adou Thiero, Ziaire Williams […]
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