Kessler scores 26 on 12-for-12, Lakers beat Warriors

Walker Kessler made a spectacular Lakers debut in a 127-105 season-opening win over the Golden State Warriors, scoring 26 points on a perfect 12-for-12 shooting while adding nine rebounds and two blocks. His flawless shooting performance was the first by a Laker with at least 12 made shots since Wilt Chamberlain in 1969, and his 10 dunks marked the team’s first such game since Shaquille O’Neal in 2003. Luka Doncic led Los Angeles with 28 points, and Austin Reaves contributed 23, as Kessler’s finishing around the rim highlighted the potential of the new lineup. The performance quickly quieted doubts about the draft capital and contract the Lakers spent to acquire the center from Utah.