Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick provided updates on Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton ahead of the team’s final two preseason games, with both players managing injuries during training camp.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, October 10, Redick said Kessler had returned to practice but had not yet resumed live action following a finger injury. Sexton, meanwhile, remained on a modified schedule because of a lower-leg issue and was further behind in his recovery.
Asked whether Kessler was expected to play in the Lakers’ upcoming preseason games, Redick said the team had not made a decision.
“I would say we’re not committed to that,” Redick said. “He was in practice today, no live today, but, you know, did everything else. So he was in for about half the practice, and we’ll see tomorrow if he can do live, and we’ll see Monday if we may do some live Monday.”
Redick indicated that Monday’s practice would likely focus more on teaching and film work, leaving Kessler’s participation in the remaining preseason games uncertain at that point.
Kessler injured his finger during a drill after initially participating in live practice.
“We were doing a drill, and he hit his finger on the backboard,” Redick explained when asked why the center had been unable to participate fully.
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The Lakers acquired Kessler from the Utah Jazz during the offseason, sending two future first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps to secure the center. His availability is important as Los Angeles looks to improve its interior defense and defensive rebounding following a major roster overhaul.
Redick, however, played down the severity of Kessler’s situation when asked whether the team was simply exercising caution during preseason.
“Yeah, he’s fine. He’s fine,” the Lakers coach said.
Kessler’s return to live practice remained the immediate priority, with the team evaluating his progress before deciding whether he could appear against Golden State on October 13 or Denver on October 16.
Sexton was also limited during Saturday’s practice, with Redick confirming that the guard was on a modified schedule again.
“Collin was modified again. He’s probably a little bit further behind,” Redick said.
When asked to clarify the nature of Sexton’s injury, the coach identified it as a lower-leg issue. He did not provide a specific diagnosis or timetable for the guard’s return to full participation.
Sexton joined the Lakers during the offseason on a two-year, $19.2 million contract, with a player option for the second season. The 27-year-old is expected to provide another scoring option in a backcourt led by Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
Redick stressed that the injuries had not affected the Lakers’ overall game planning, although they had forced some adjustments to the team’s practice schedule.
“No effect on game planning,” he said. “You have to change a little bit of what your install pattern is relative to what you had planned, but we’ll have enough time.”
Los Angeles entered training camp with a deep roster, allowing the coaching staff to continue working through its preparations despite several players dealing with minor injuries.
The Lakers were 2-1 in preseason play after defeating Sacramento 114-110 on October 8. With games against Golden State and Denver remaining, Kessler’s return to live action and Sexton’s progress will be worth monitoring as the team approaches the regular season.
