Walker Kessler called Luka Doncic his MVP after watching the Lakers superstar score 53 points in Friday’s 124-118 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
“Yeah, he’s incredible to watch. He’s incredible to play alongside,” Kessler said after the Lakers extended their winning streak to four games. “Yeah, he’s my MVP. I mean, I think it’s pretty clear right now.”
Doncic finished with 53 points, five rebounds and five assists, including a crucial jumper with 28 seconds remaining. Kessler, who recorded 16 points and 12 rebounds, also praised Doncic’s ability to make difficult shots look routine.
“When you got a guy that can make shots like that, I mean, you know, it’s really exciting. It’s fun basketball to watch,” Kessler said. “But obviously that wasn’t the only shot he made.”
Asked about Doncic’s 61-foot buzzer-beater at halftime, Kessler admitted he immediately thought it was going in.
“I thought, I mean, I saw it and I was like, wow, that might be going in,” he said. “He also works on those shots, like in practice and stuff. So, yeah, it was an incredible shot for sure.”
Kessler also discussed the Lakers’ response after trailing by 16 points in the second quarter. Los Angeles outscored Portland 34-15 in the third, taking control before holding off a late comeback.
“JJ hit the nail on the head, responding to a team like, losing to a team previously and coming in and responding,” Kessler said. “Even when they made their run in the fourth quarter, responding well to that, it definitely builds a sort of resiliency.”
The Lakers had lost 136-129 to Portland on October 27. Kessler believes responding to difficult stretches will be important as the season progresses.
“When you face any kind of adversity like that, how you respond is because obviously you’re going to face some tough times,” he said. “These teams are the best basketball players in the world. So it can be anyone’s night. You got to respond.”
Kessler also praised the Lakers’ defensive chemistry with Matisse Thybulle, Ziaire Williams and Jake LaRavia, highlighting their ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
“It’s only getting better. It’s only getting better,” he said. “They are really good ball disruptors, forcing turnovers.”
He added: “It’s a lot of fun playing with these guys, and they’re really, really talented. I’m looking to them.”
The center also welcomed Adou Thiero’s season debut, praising the rookie’s physicality and athleticism.
“We value Adou a lot. He’s a very physical player, really talented, athletic player,” Kessler said. “That lob he caught was very, very impressive. So, yeah, he had a really good debut for the season.”
Kessler said the Lakers’ offensive process remains encouraging despite their early shooting struggles, with the team continuing to generate open looks.
“We know that if we’re getting open shots, regardless of whether they’re going to go in or not, right away, we know they’re good looks,” he said. “We know that we have really good shooters, and that’s starting to fall for us in the second half.”
Los Angeles improved to 8-2 with Friday’s victory and will visit the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, November 8.
