The Lakers Are Better Than Everyone Thinks. Here's Why.

On the 88th episode of Hot Hand Theory, XJ and Geoff break down Walker Kessler joining the Los Angeles Lakers and why his fit with Luka Doncic could make the Lakers one of the NBA’s most unexpected title contenders.

While much of the reaction to the Lakers’ offseason has been negative, we explain why Los Angeles may have finally built a roster specifically designed to maximize Luka. Kessler gives Luka an elite screener, lob threat, and rim runner who can create the exact pick-and-roll advantages Dončić has spent his career exploiting.

Despite not signing any strong wing defenders, Walker Kessler also directly addresses the Lakers’ biggest defensive weakness. Opponents shot 71.5% at the rim against Los Angeles last season, the second-worst mark in the NBA. Kessler has ranked in the 99th percentile as a rim protector in each of his first three full seasons.

The duo also discusses how Austin Reaves will thrive as Luka’s secondary creator with the addition of Sandro Mamukelashvili, why JJ Redick is equipped to maximize the Lakers’ new roster, and how Quentin Grimes, Colin Sexton, and the rest of Los Angeles’ supporting cast give the team more shooting, lineup flexibility, and role clarity.

We cover:

🔹 Why Walker Kessler is an ideal center for Luka Dončić

🔹 How Kessler’s screening and lob gravity can unlock the Lakers’ offense

🔹 How the Lakers finally built around Luka’s greatest strengths

🔹 Why Austin Reaves and Luka can continue thriving together

🔹 How JJ Redick can build different offenses around Luka and Reaves

🔹 Why Quentin Grimes may be better in a defined Lakers role

🔹 What Colin Sexton adds as a shooter and secondary attacker

🔹 The Lakers’ remaining defensive concerns

🔹 Why Los Angeles should be viewed as a real Western Conference contender

💬 Let us know in the comments: Are the Lakers being underrated, and how far can Luka Dončić, Walker Kessler, and Austin Reaves take this team?

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