The Los Angeles Lakers have made a significant effort to bolster their defense for the upcoming NBA season, highlighted by the acquisition of Walker Kessler from the Utah Jazz in July. The 7-foot-2 center, known for his defensive potential, was traded for two future first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps. Lakers players and coaches have expressed optimism about how Kessler’s presence and a revised defensive scheme could improve the team's rim protection, which was a key weakness last season.

Kessler’s physical attributes are notable; standing 7-foot-2, weighing 245 pounds, and possessing a standing reach of 9 feet 5 inches, he is expected to anchor the interior defense. Luka Doncic, one of Kessler’s new teammates, praised his impact, recalling past tough matchups against him and highlighting the enthusiasm the team has for his addition. The Lakers struggled defensively in recent seasons, ranking 20th in defensive efficiency last year. While several playoff teams generally had strong defenses, the Lakers have consistently been below the league average on that metric since 2021, a year after winning the championship with the league’s top-ranked defense.

Last season, the Lakers performed relatively well in several defensive categories, ranking fifth in free-throw attempt rate allowed, 10th in three-pointers allowed, and 13th in opponent turnover percentage. However, rim protection was a glaring concern as the team ranked 29th in restricted area field-goal percentage allowed. Former starting center Deandre Ayton, now with the Washington Wizards, and backup Jackson Hayes, now with the Jazz, were not consistently effective shot-blockers. Additionally, the Lakers’ power forwards lacked rim protection ability within the team's switch-heavy defensive schemes.

Coach JJ Redick aims to shift the team's defensive strategy by deploying Kessler as an interior anchor, inspired by the San Antonio Spurs' utilization of their defensive player of the year, Victor Wembanyama. This approach seeks to keep Kessler near the basket to deter shots, while perimeter defenders pressure opponents aggressively. Redick expects the revamped defense to reduce points in the paint, a category where the Lakers ranked 19th last year.

Kessler himself acknowledges that improving the Lakers' defense requires a collective effort. The team's perimeter defenders, including returning starters Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, along with new additions Quentin Grimes and Ziaire Williams, will play pivotal roles. Grimes has been tasked with filling the defensive intensity role left vacant by Marcus Smart’s departure to the Houston Rockets, while Williams, a 6-10 guard capable of guarding multiple positions, is expected to strengthen perimeter defense as well.

Further depth is provided by veterans Matisse Thybulle, a two-time All-Defensive selection, rookie Cameron Carr, and other rotation players like Jake LaRavia and Jarred Vanderbilt. Kessler expressed confidence in the perimeter group’s defensive capabilities, noting their ball-hawking skills and smart positioning.

While Kessler experienced limited playing time last season due to a shoulder injury and played on a Jazz team that struggled defensively, the Lakers view his addition and the new scheme as key steps toward reestablishing their defensive identity. The team aims to marry aggressive perimeter defense with strong rim protection to become a more formidable defensive unit this season.