Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick praised Walker Kessler’s defensive impact and discussed the team’s turnover problems after Friday’s 125-117 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Kessler finished with 22 points, eight rebounds and six blocks as the Lakers improved to 2-0. Redick highlighted the center’s activity around the rim and his ability to disrupt opponents’ shots.
“I thought there were multiple times where it felt like they had a layup and he either came over to block the shot or created an altered shot, and the second effort was great,” Redick said. “Another good game for him running as well.”
Kessler has scored at least 20 points in consecutive games to begin his first season with Los Angeles. He played only five games last season, but Redick said the center had quickly demonstrated why the Lakers wanted him.
“I mean, I felt like he was a really good player. Certainly proven that correct. He’s a fantastic basketball player and I think he’ll continue to get better,” Redick said. “That was one of the reasons that we wanted him and he was so appealing to us. It was because of his age and feeling like the fit with our two stars was really good.”
Despite the win, Redick pointed to 21 turnovers as an area requiring improvement. Luka Doncic committed 11 turnovers, while Austin Reaves had six as the Lakers navigated the Clippers’ defensive pressure.
“We know the turnover is a problem. We’ll continue to work at it, continue to get better at it,” Redick said. “Didn’t love how we executed against their, what was a pretty soft trap. We gotta be better there.”
Redick said some mistakes reflected the team’s ongoing process of building familiarity, particularly when opponents blitz Doncic and force other Lakers players to make quick decisions.
“The reality is a lot of the turnovers are just the pass in front of them. Just make the pass in front of you,” he said. “I think it’s just, again, it’s the familiarity.”
The coach also credited Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams for their defensive work against Darius Garland, who scored 26 points. Redick praised Thybulle’s on-ball defense and his ability to disrupt plays away from the ball, while noting that both players contributed offensively.
Redick also singled out the Lakers’ third quarter, when they outscored the Clippers 39-26 to establish control.
“It just felt like Walker was everywhere, you know, in that third,” Redick said. “And it really was a huge spark for us getting us a win.”
The Lakers will visit the Utah Jazz on Sunday, while the Clippers travel to face Oklahoma City.
