Walker Kessler went 12 for 12 in the Lakers' first game after LeBron

By the Data Desk · Published 22 OCT 06:45

First reported by ESPN box score and AP game story · 22 OCT 05:52

Twelve shots, twelve makes, on his first official night in purple and gold. Walker Kessler scored 26 points in the Lakers' 127-105 win over Golden State, their first game since LeBron James left for Philadelphia, and according to the AP only Wilt Chamberlain, 14 for 14 in March 1969, has made more shots without a miss in a Lakers game.

• Kessler: 26 points, 12 of 12 from the field, 2 of 4 at the line, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks and +24 in 30 minutes (ESPN box score).
• His previous best perfect night was 10 for 10 for Utah against Sacramento on 26 February 2025 (ESPN game log). Only his 31 points in March 2023 beat Wednesday's total.
• Next: the Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on Friday night (02:00 UTC Saturday), then Kessler's return to Utah on Sunday.

The play-by-play shows how it happened. Ten of the 12 baskets were dunks and the other two were layups, and 11 of them were assisted: five by Luka Doncic, three by Austin Reaves, two by Ziaire Williams and one by Quentin Grimes. The only one he made alone was a tip-in. The first came on the opening possession, an alley-oop from Doncic, who finished with 28 points and 7 assists in three quarters.

Behind the scenes, the Lakers had been careful with expectations. Two days earlier Doncic told the AP what he had seen in practice: "The paint is kind of closed when he's on the court." JJ Redick was more measured, saying Kessler had "never really been tasked with being the anchor of a defense" and adding: "It's going to be a process with him." We could not find post-game comments from Redick or Kessler when we published.

The context matters. LeBron James signed a two-year deal with the 76ers in July, and this was the Lakers' first game of the season. Golden State played without Jimmy Butler, Kristaps Porzingis, Moses Moody and Brandin Podziemski (AP), shot 38 of 92 and lost the rebounding 43-36. Stephen Curry had 23 points in his 18th season opener.

What happens next: the Clippers visit on Friday night, Los Angeles time (04:00 Saturday in Spain). On Sunday the Lakers play in Salt Lake City (21:00 UTC), the first time Kessler faces Utah, where he spent his first four NBA seasons.